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There appears to be a greater number of reports of EHV-1 abortions this season than has been the case in recent years. This could simply be the result of more breeders following an established protocol after an abortion has occurred or it could be that the dreadful dry conditions that have taken hold of many thoroughbred breeding areas has put many brood mares under greater stress resulting in the virus doing it's damage. Whatever the reason there is no doubt that this season it is most important for individual breeders and for the industry as a whole to take all steps to prevent the spread of this disease.

Already there have been mares that have been moved from their home stud to be foaled down and mated elsewhere but have regrettably aborted shortly after arrival. There has been a suggestion that the most at risk mares may have come from this years brood mare sales but no evidence has been collected to support this contention.

If you are sending mares away this season you should consider whether it would not be safer to foal the mare down at home and then send the mare and foal away later on. Although a long trip on a float is stressful on a foal it may be that this is still the option.

If pregnant mares are arriving at your stud it is more important than ever this season to follow sound quarantining procedures. The fact that the mare has been vaccinated at the recommended times does not mean that the mare may necessarily be covered against viral abortion. All breeders should make themselves acquainted with the latest study on the effectiveness of the vaccines. The report can be viewed and downloaded from the following web site www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/Index.htm  click on to the reports and then on to horses and it is currently the first listed report.

There is an increasing acceptance of the need to have samples from the aborted foal sent away for analysis and it is imperative that any viral abortion is reported. There is no smear attached to the fact that viral abortion has occurred on a property as it can happen to any stud. There most certainly is a smear against a stud that does not follow the proper procedures following an abortion or which does not follow the law in relation to reporting a case of equine viral abortion.

It could be that this will be a bad season but sound animal husbandry will save many lives.

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