1
|
Ruby RE, Janes JG. Infectious Causes of Equine Placentitis and Abortion. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2023; 39:73-88. [PMID: 36737287 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A variety of infectious agents including viral, bacterial, and fungal organisms can cause equine abortion and placentitis. Knowledge of normal anatomy and the common pattern distribution of different infectious agents will assist the practitioner in evaluating the fetus and/or placenta, collecting appropriate samples for further testing, and in some cases, forming a presumptive diagnosis. In all cases, it is recommended to confirm the diagnosis with molecular, serologic, or microbiological testing. If a causative agent can be identified, then appropriate biosecurity and vaccination measures can be instituted on the farm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Ruby
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 1490 Bull Lea Road, Lexington, KY 40511, USA.
| | - Jennifer G Janes
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 1490 Bull Lea Road, Lexington, KY 40511, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Berman TS, Inbar M. Molecular identification of individual and seasonal variation in incidental ingestion of arthropods by free-ranging goats. Front Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.1070088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The extent of direct interactions between large mammalian herbivores (LMH) and plant-dwelling arthropods (PDA), i.e., the ingestion of PDA by LMH, remains largely unexplored. Grazing LMH may ingest a variety of PDA, yet, it is unknown how different foraging strategies (i.e., browsing, grazing, etc.) influence the ingestion of PDA or whether individual variation within herds affects it. Here we examine how individual variation within a herd of browsing LMH impacts PDA ingestion. This was done using a DNA metabarcoding analysis on feces collected monthly from marked individuals within a herd of free-ranging goats. We found that goats frequently ingest PDA while feeding (all samples contains PDA), including a complex food-chain of herbivores, predators and parasites, which differed over the season and among individual goats. In total, 63 families of insects and 9 families of arachnids from 15 orders were ingested by the goats. Most ingested PDA were herbivores with reduced mobility, such as immature or sessile species. Highly mobile and noxious PDA were rarely detected. We show for the first time that ingestion of PDA by LMH is influenced by seasonal and individual variation within the herd and that it is common among LMH, regardless of feeding strategy or habitat.
Collapse
|
3
|
Burns SJ, Westerman AG, Harrison LR. Environmental Influences on Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome: Do they fit with a toxin as the causative agent? J Equine Vet Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
4
|
Berman TS, Inbar M. Revealing cryptic interactions between large mammalian herbivores and plant-dwelling arthropods via DNA metabarcoding. Ecology 2021; 103:e03548. [PMID: 34618914 PMCID: PMC9286824 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, it has become clear that omnivory, feeding on more than one trophic level, is important in natural and agricultural systems. Large mammalian herbivores (LMH) frequently encounter plant‐dwelling arthropods (PDA) on their food plants. Yet, ingestion of PDA by LMH is only rarely addressed and the extent of this direct trophic interaction, especially at the PDA community level, remains unknown. Using a DNA‐metabarcoding analysis on feces of free‐ranging cattle from a replicated field experiment of heavily and moderately grazed paddocks, we reveal that feeding cattle (incidentally) ingest an entire food chain of PDA including herbivores, predators and parasites. Overall, 25 families of insects and four families of arachnids were ingested, a pattern that varied over the season, but not with grazing intensity. We identified the functional groups of PDA vulnerable to ingestion, such as sessile species and immature life stages. Most of the fecal samples (76%) contained sequences belonging to PDA, indicating that direct interactions are frequent. This study highlights the complex trophic connections between LMH and PDA. It may even be appropriate to consider LMH as omnivorous enemies of PDA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tali S Berman
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Moshe Inbar
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lea KM, Smith SR. Using On-Farm Monitoring of Ergovaline and Tall Fescue Composition for Horse Pasture Management. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:683. [PMID: 34678976 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13100683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Central Kentucky horse pastures contain significant populations of tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinacea (Schreb.) Dumort) infected with an endophyte (Epichloë coenophialum (Morgan-Jones and Gams) Bacon and Schardl) known to produce several ergot alkaloids, with ergovaline in the highest concentration. While most classes of horses are not adversely affected by average levels of ergovaline in pastures, late term pregnant mares have a low tolerance to ergovaline and the related ergot alkaloids. Endophyte-infected tall fescue has been known to cause prolonged gestation, thickened placenta, dystocia, agalactia, and foal and mare mortality. The University of Kentucky Horse Pasture Evaluation Program utilizes ergovaline and endophyte testing, as well as pasture species composition, to calculate ergovaline in the total diet in broodmare pastures. This data is used to develop detailed management recommendations for individual pastures. Application of these recommendations has led to reduced tall fescue toxicity symptoms on these farms, as well as improved pasture management and improved forage quality and quantity.
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
The peripartum period is critical in equine medicine for maintaining healthy mares, and ensuring the delivery of healthy neonatal foals. The field of perinatal mortality in horses is continuously evolving, with several advances being recently made in causes of perinatal fetal and foal loss. This review details the main causes of perinatal loss in horses, through late pregnancy, parturition and the neonatal period. Recent advances in identification of infectious organisms and indicators of survival in neonatal foals will be discussed. Continued advances in reproductive and neonatal medicine will aid improved survival of foals through fewer pregnancy losses, and improved management of high-risk pregnancies and critically ill neonatal foals.
Collapse
|
7
|
Roach JM, Foote AK, Smith KC, Verheyen KL, de Mestre AM. Incidence and causes of pregnancy loss after Day 70 of gestation in Thoroughbreds. Equine Vet J 2020; 53:996-1003. [PMID: 33205445 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy loss after Day 70 of gestation manifests as abortion, stillbirth or perinatal death. While previous studies have reported the diagnoses of laboratory submissions, none have quantified the incidence and causes of abortions, stillbirths and perinatal mortality at a population level. OBJECTIVES To report the incidence and causes of pregnancy loss after Day 70 of gestation in a cohort of Thoroughbreds. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS Outcomes of Day 70 pregnancies were collected from eight Thoroughbred farms over the 2013-2017 breeding seasons. Stud, veterinary and laboratory records were supplemented with publicly available data. Cause of loss was categorised using custom criteria. RESULTS Data were collected on 3,586 pregnancies from 1,802 mares. The incidence risk of a pregnancy failing to produce a live foal at 24 hours post parturition was 7.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 6.5-8.2, equating to 7.3 cases per 100 Day-70 pregnancies). The incidence of pregnancy loss between Day 70 and 300 of gestation, Day 301-315 and stillbirth/perinatal death was 4.0% (95% CI 3.4-4.7), 0.3% (95% CI 0.2-0.6) and 1.4% (95% CI 1.1-1.9) respectively. Of the pregnancy losses where tissue was available, 61.1% were submitted for post-mortem examination. The incidence risk of loss due to umbilical cord-related pathologies was 1.5% (95% CI 1.1-1.9), 0.4% (95% CI 0.2-0.6) for noninfectious placental disease and 0.3% (95% CI 0.2-0.6) for both infectious placentitis and Equine Herpesvirus infection. No primary diagnosis was made in 11.2% of the cases which underwent full post-mortem examination. MAIN LIMITATIONS It was not possible to differentiate between intra-partum stillbirth and early post-partum death. CONCLUSION Pregnancy loss after Day 70 of gestation is a significant source of loss in the Thoroughbred with umbilical cord-related pathologies being the most commonly diagnosed cause. Reporting the incidence of pregnancy loss at a population level with clear case definitions will allow for accurate global comparisons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Roach
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | | | - Ken C Smith
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Kristien L Verheyen
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Khusro M, Andrew N, Nicholas A. Insects as poultry feed: a scoping study for poultry production systems in Australia. WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2012; 68:435-46. [DOI: 10.1017/s0043933912000554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
|
9
|
Abstract
Ungulates feed on plants that are often inhabited by insects. Goats (Capra hircus Linnaeus, 1758) can efficiently avoid the ingestion of setae-covered noxious, caterpillars while feeding, but it is unknown how they respond to non-toxic insects. We filmed and analysed the behavioural responses of goats to smooth, innocuous silkworms (Bombyx mori (Linnaeus, 1758)) while feeding. The goats successfully sorted the silkworms apart from the food despite their tendency to cling to the leaves. Although the goats exhibited behaviours similar to those displayed with noxious caterpillars, the frequency of the behaviours doubled and a new behaviour appeared. The goats detected silkworms using tactile stimulation, obtained by repeatedly touching the leaves with their muzzles. This behaviour enabled them to pick silkworm-free leaves (leaving 73% of silkworms behind). If the goats picked up leaves with a silkworm, then they shook it off. When shaking was unsuccessful, they employed a new behaviour, filtering, in which they physically blocked the silkworm with their lips while consuming the leaves. Silkworms that entered the mouths of goats (rare) were spat out. These findings demonstrate that ungulates are capable of adjusting their feeding behaviour to accurately detect and avoid the ingestion of different insect species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T.S. Berman
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - T.A. Glasser
- Ramat Hanadiv Nature Park, POB 325 Zikhron Ya’akov, 30900, Israel
| | - M. Inbar
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Berman TS, Messeri N, Glasser TA, Inbar M. Innate ability of goats to sense and avoid ingestion of noxious insects while feeding. R Soc Open Sci 2019; 6:181078. [PMID: 30891259 PMCID: PMC6408377 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.181078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Large mammalian herbivores regularly encounter noxious insects on their food plants. Recent evidence revealed that goats efficiently avoid insect ingestion while feeding, yet it is unknown whether this ability is innate. We experimentally examined the behavioural responses of naive goat kids to a common insect, the spring-webworm (Ocnogyna loewii). We filmed and analysed the kids' behaviour while feeding and compared it to the behaviour described in adults. Naive kids sorted the webworms apart from the food without ingesting them (all webworms survived). They exhibited behaviours similar to those displayed by adults, demonstrating an innate ability to avoid insect ingestion. The kids detected webworms using tactile stimulation, obtained by repeatedly touching the leaves with their muzzles. This enabled them to pick webworm-free leaves (leaving 93% of webworms behind). While adults frequently shook or discarded leaves with webworms or spat out webworms, these behaviours were rare in kids. The kids' mean feeding rates doubled over the trials, indicating that their feeding efficiency on plants with and without insects improved with experience. As ingesting noxious insects could be fatal, innate avoidance is critical. These findings highlight the importance of direct interactions between mammalian and insect herbivores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tali S. Berman
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Noa Messeri
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
- Department of Biology and Environment, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa at Oranim, Tivon 36006, Israel
| | - Tzach A. Glasser
- Ramat Hanadiv Nature Park, PO Box 325 Zikhron Ya'akov 30900, Israel
| | - Moshe Inbar
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Berman TS, Ben-Ari M, Glasser TA, Gish M, Inbar M. How goats avoid ingesting noxious insects while feeding. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14835. [PMID: 29093560 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14940-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As mammalian herbivores feed, they often encounter noxious insects on plants. It is unknown how they handle such insects. We experimentally examined the behavioural responses of goats to the noxious spring-webworm (Ocnogyna loewii), and manipulated their sensory perception to reveal the process of insect detection. Goats did not avoid plants with webworms, demonstrating a remarkable ability to sort them apart from the plant (98% of webworms survived). Initial detection of webworms involved tactile stimulation, done by repeatedly touching the leaves with the muzzle. This enabled them to pick webworm-free leaves. If the goats picked up leaves with a webworm, they shook or discarded the leaf. They spat out webworms that entered their mouths, after detecting them by touch and taste. By using their keen senses and efficient behaviours, goats are able to feed while accurately excluding insects. These findings highlight the importance of direct interactions between mammalian herbivores and insects.
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Processionary moths carry urticating setae, which cause health problems in humans and other warm-blooded animals. The pine processionary moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa has responded to global change (climate warming and increased global trade) by extending its distribution range. The subfamily Thaumetopoeinae consists of approximately 100 species. An important question is whether other processionary moth species will similarly respond to these specific dimensions of global change and thus introduce health hazards into new areas. We describe, for the first time, how setae are distributed on different life stages (adult, larva) of major groups within the subfamily. Using the available data, we conclude that there is little evidence that processionary moths as a group will behave like T. pityocampa and expand their distributional range. The health problems caused by setae strongly relate to population density, which may, or may not, be connected to global change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Battisti
- Department DAFNAE, University of Padova, Legnaro I-35020, Italy;
| | - Stig Larsson
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala S-75007, Sweden;
| | - Alain Roques
- Forest Zoology, UR INRA 0633, Orléans F-45075, France;
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gish M, Ben-Ari M, Inbar M. Direct consumptive interactions between mammalian herbivores and plant-dwelling invertebrates: prevalence, significance, and prospectus. Oecologia 2016; 183:347-352. [PMID: 27878384 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-016-3775-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian herbivores induce changes in the chemical composition, phenology, distribution, and abundance of the plants they feed on. Consequently, invertebrate herbivores (predominantly insects) that depend on those plants, and the predators and parasitoids that are associated with them, may be affected. This plant-mediated indirect interaction between mammals and invertebrates has been extensively studied, but mammalian herbivores may also directly affect plant-dwelling invertebrates (PDI) by incidentally ingesting them while feeding. The ubiquity and small size of PDI render them highly susceptible to incidental ingestion, but as common as this interaction may intuitively seem, very little is known about its prevalence and ecological consequences. Nevertheless, cases of incidental ingestion of PDI and associated adaptations for avoiding it that have been sporadically documented in several invertebrate groups and life stages allow us to carefully extrapolate and conclude that it should be common in nature. Incidental ingestion may, therefore, bear significant consequences for PDI, but it may also affect the mammalian herbivores and the shared plants. Future research on incidental ingestion of PDI would have to overcome several technical difficulties to gain better insight into this understudied ecological interaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moshe Gish
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Matan Ben-Ari
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
| | - Moshe Inbar
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wills PJ, Anjana M, Nitin M, Varun R, Sachidanandan P, Jacob TM, Lilly M, Thampan RV, Karthikeya Varma K. Population Explosions of Tiger Moth Lead to Lepidopterism Mimicking Infectious Fever Outbreaks. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152787. [PMID: 27073878 PMCID: PMC4830441 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lepidopterism is a disease caused by the urticating scales and toxic fluids of adult moths, butterflies or its caterpillars. The resulting cutaneous eruptions and systemic problems progress to clinical complications sometimes leading to death. High incidence of fever epidemics were associated with massive outbreaks of tiger moth Asota caricae adult populations during monsoon in Kerala, India. A significant number of monsoon related fever characteristic to lepidopterism was erroneously treated as infectious fevers due to lookalike symptoms. To diagnose tiger moth lepidopterism, we conducted immunoblots for tiger moth specific IgE in fever patients' sera. We selected a cohort of patients (n = 155) with hallmark symptoms of infectious fevers but were tested negative to infectious fevers. In these cases, the total IgE was elevated and was detected positive (78.6%) for tiger moth specific IgE allergens. Chemical characterization of caterpillar and adult moth fluids was performed by HPLC and GC-MS analysis and structural identification of moth scales was performed by SEM analysis. The body fluids and chitinous scales were found to be highly toxic and inflammatory in nature. To replicate the disease in experimental model, wistar rats were exposed to live tiger moths in a dose dependant manner and observed similar clinico-pathological complications reported during the fever epidemics. Further, to link larval abundance and fever epidemics we conducted cointegration test for the period 2009 to 2012 and physical presence of the tiger moths were found to be cointegrated with fever epidemics. In conclusion, our experiments demonstrate that inhalation of aerosols containing tiger moth fluids, scales and hairs cause systemic reactions that can be fatal to human. All these evidences points to the possible involvement of tiger moth disease as a major cause to the massive and fatal fever epidemics observed in Kerala.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pallara Janardhanan Wills
- MIMS Research Foundation, Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences (Aster MIMS), Kozhikode, Kerala, India
- * E-mail:
| | - Mohan Anjana
- MIMS Research Foundation, Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences (Aster MIMS), Kozhikode, Kerala, India
| | - Mohan Nitin
- ICFO-Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raghuveeran Varun
- MIMS Research Foundation, Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences (Aster MIMS), Kozhikode, Kerala, India
| | | | | | - Madhavan Lilly
- MIMS Research Foundation, Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences (Aster MIMS), Kozhikode, Kerala, India
| | - Raghava Varman Thampan
- MIMS Research Foundation, Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences (Aster MIMS), Kozhikode, Kerala, India
| | - Koyikkal Karthikeya Varma
- MIMS Research Foundation, Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences (Aster MIMS), Kozhikode, Kerala, India
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Affiliation(s)
- M. Pozor
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences; University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine; Gainesville USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Pregnant mares were experimentally exposed to whole caterpillar or exoskeleton of the Processionary caterpillar ( Ochrogaster lunifer) via gavage. Tissues were collected from resulting abortions and near or full-term pregnancies consisting of 13 aborted fetuses, 3 fetuses from treated euthanized mares, membranes of 5 foals, and organs from 3 foals. Three control membranes and 1 control fetus and membranes were examined. Caterpillar setal fragments were present in the allantochorion of the 3 fetuses from the euthanized mares and 11 of 12 aborted fetuses (92%) embedded in the chorion (villi or stroma) or allantois (vasculature or stroma). Placental locations of fragments ranged from the cervical pole region to the body encompassing the umbilical insertion and pregnant horn. Numbers in each fetus ranged from 1 to 7 fragments. Setae were present in the allantochorion from 2 to 22 days after the initial treatment. Acute to chronic active inflammation was present in all aborted fetuses, all euthanized fetuses, and within at least 1 tissue level (chorion, allantois, umbilical cord, or amnion) of the membranes from full-term foals. Amnionitis, funisitis, and allantoitis were present in 95% of the examined membranes. Pneumonia was present in 95% of the specimens, and bacteria were present histologically in 90.5% of the specimens with or without accompanying inflammation. The rapid migration of setae within 2 days after mare exposure suggests that direct setal migration into the fetal membranes is a likely initiating factor for equine amnionitis and fetal loss (EAFL).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K. H. Todhunter
- Equine Research Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - A. J. Cawdell-Smith
- Equine Research Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - W. L. Bryden
- Equine Research Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - N. R. Perkins
- Equine Research Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
- AusVet Animal Health Services, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - A. P. Begg
- Vetnostics, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Todhunter KH, Cawdell-Smith AJ, Bryden WL, Perkins NR, Begg AP. Processionary caterpillar setae and equine fetal loss: 1. Histopathology of experimentally exposed pregnant mares. Vet Pathol 2013; 51:1117-30. [PMID: 24379221 DOI: 10.1177/0300985813516638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Six pregnant Standardbred mares aged between 6 and 14 years were gavaged with 50 g or 100 g of suspended emulsified whole Processionary caterpillars (Ochrogaster lunifer) for 5 days during 2 experiments undertaken to study the etiology of equine amnionitis and fetal loss (EAFL). The 6 treated mares and 1 untreated mare were between 128 and 252 days gestation. Mare 1 (untreated) was euthanized on day 5 of the treatment period, while the treated mares were euthanized on days 2, 4, 8, 10, 12, and 24 days from their first treatment. Caterpillar setae were not found in the untreated mare. Setal fragments were present in all regions of the gastrointestinal tracts in all treated mares, the uteri and mesenteric lymph nodes of 5 mares, and the liver of 4 mares. Acute gastroenteritis of varying severity was present in all treated mares, and 5 of 6 mares had acute colitis and endometritis. Focal hyperplastic serositis was found in the duodenum, cecum, dorsal colon, and uteri of various mares occasionally with embedded setal fragments. Setal invasion of the mucosa evoked a range of lesions including superficial erosion to deep ulceration. Inflammation in deeper tissues ranged from unapparent to neutrophilic (microabscesses), eosinophilic, or mononuclear (microgranulomas). The finding of setal fragments within the uterus of experimental mares suggests that direct migration of setal fragments acting as a bacterial vector is a likely mechanism for the bacterial abortions that characterize equine amnionitis and fetal loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K H Todhunter
- Equine Research Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton Queensland, Australia
| | - A J Cawdell-Smith
- Equine Research Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton Queensland, Australia
| | - W L Bryden
- Equine Research Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton Queensland, Australia
| | - N R Perkins
- Equine Research Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton Queensland, Australia AusVet Animal Health Services, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - A P Begg
- Vetnostics, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Todhunter KH, Muscatello G, Blishen AJ, Chicken C, Perkins NR, Gilkerson JR, Begg AP. Bacteria isolated from field cases of equine amnionitis and fetal loss. Aust Vet J 2013; 91:138-42. [DOI: 10.1111/avj.12022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- KH Todhunter
- Tails and Scales Veterinary Services; Scone; NSW; Australia
| | - G Muscatello
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory; School of Veterinary Science; The University of Melbourne; Victoria; Australia
| | - AJ Blishen
- Scone Veterinary Hospital; Scone; NSW; Australia
| | - C Chicken
- Scone Veterinary Hospital; Scone; NSW; Australia
| | - NR Perkins
- AusVet Animal Health Services; Toowoomba; Queensland; Australia
| | - JR Gilkerson
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory; School of Veterinary Science; The University of Melbourne; Victoria; Australia
| | - AP Begg
- Vetnostics; North Ryde; NSW; Australia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Cawdell-Smith AJ, Todhunter KH, Perkins NR, Bryden WL. Exposure of mares to processionary caterpillars (Ochrogaster lunifer) in early pregnancy: An additional dimension to equine amnionitis and fetal loss. Equine Vet J 2013; 45:755-60. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.12044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 12/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. J. Cawdell-Smith
- Equine Research Unit; School of Agriculture and Food Sciences; The University of Queensland; Australia
| | - K. H. Todhunter
- Equine Research Unit; School of Agriculture and Food Sciences; The University of Queensland; Australia
| | | | - W. L. Bryden
- Equine Research Unit; School of Agriculture and Food Sciences; The University of Queensland; Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
|
21
|
Cawdell-Smith AJ, Todhunter KH, Anderson ST, Perkins NR, Bryden WL. Equine amnionitis and fetal loss: mare abortion following experimental exposure to Processionary caterpillars (Ochrogaster lunifer). Equine Vet J 2011; 44:282-8. [PMID: 21815917 DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00424.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY In Australia, there have been recent reports of unusual abortions in mid- to late-gestation mares. These were clinically distinct from other recognised causes of pregnancy loss and the term 'equine amnionitis and fetal loss' (EAFL) was adopted to describe this syndrome. Initial investigations concluded that possible causal factors included the presence on affected stud farms of Processionary caterpillars (Ochrogaster lunifer). OBJECTIVES To determine if exposure of pregnant mares to Processionary caterpillars or their shed exoskeletons can induce EAFL. METHODS Processionary caterpillars and their shed exoskeletons were collected and stored frozen. Mid-gestation mares were dosed with a slurry of caterpillars or shed exoskeleton by nasogastric intubation. Their clinical responses and times to abortion were recorded. All aborted fetuses were autopsied and samples taken for bacteriological and virological culture and histopathology. RESULTS Intubating mares in mid-pregnancy with preparations of either whole Processionary caterpillars or shed caterpillar exoskeletons induced abortion with few impending clinical signs. The gross pathological and bacteriological findings of the aborted fetuses were similar to those observed in field cases of EAFL. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE Possible exposure to Processionary caterpillars should be considered when examining cases of fetal loss in the mare. The present results provide a starting point to further explore the aetiology and pathogenesis of EAFL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A J Cawdell-Smith
- Equine Research Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
McDowell KJ, Webb BA, Williams NM, Donahue JM, Newman KE, Lindemann MD, Horohov DW. Invited review: the role of caterpillars in mare reproductive loss syndrome: a model for environmental causes of abortion. J Anim Sci 2010; 88:1379-87. [PMID: 20081071 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2009-2584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A new abortigenic disease, now known as mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS), significantly affected the horse industry in the Ohio River Valley of the United States in late April and early May of 2001 and 2002. In 2001, approximately 25% of all pregnant mares aborted within several weeks (over 3,000 mares lost pregnancies), and abortion rates exceeded 60% on some farms. Mare reproductive loss syndrome struck hard and without warning, it was caused by something in the environment, it was not transmitted between animals, and it was not associated with any known abortigenic agent or disease. These experiments demonstrated that horses will inadvertently consume Eastern tent caterpillars (ETC) when the insects are present in the pasture or other feedstuffs, and MRLS-type abortions were induced in experimental animals (mares and pigs) by mixing ETC with the feed of the animals. Eastern tent caterpillars are hirsute (hairy) caterpillars, and the only part of the caterpillar that caused MRLS abortions was the cuticle. The experiments revealed that the setae (hairs) embed into the submucosa of the alimentary tract creating microgranulomatous lesions. It is hypothesized that the alimentary tract lesions allow bacteria from the alimentary tract of the mare, principally streptococci, actinobacilli, and to a lesser extent enterococci, to invade the circulatory system of the mare. The bacteria then establish infections in tissues where the immune surveillance of the mare is reduced, such as the fetus and placenta. Fetal and placental fluid bacterial infections lead to fetal death and abortion characteristic of MRLS. Inadvertent ingestion of ETC by pregnant mares causes MRLS. Currently the only known means to prevent MRLS is to avoid exposure of horses, particularly pregnant mares, to ETC and probably most hirsute caterpillars.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K J McDowell
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Todhunter KH, Perkins NR, Wylie RM, Chicken C, Blishen AJ, Racklyeft DJ, Muscatello G, Wilson MC, Adams PL, Gilkerson JR, Bryden WL, Begg AP. Equine amnionitis and fetal loss: The case definition for an unrecognised cause of abortion in mares. Aust Vet J 2009; 87:35-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2008.00386.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
24
|
Abstract
An epidemic of early fetal loss (EFL), late fetal loss (LFL), fibrinous pericarditis, and unilateral uveitis which occurred during the spring of 2001, are together now known as the mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS). A similar epidemic with less intensity was reported during the same period of time from southern Ohio, West Virginia, and Tennessee. The same syndrome with lesser intensity recurred in 2002. The estimated economic loss from the syndrome in 2001 and 2002 together was approximately $500 million. Both EFL and LFL were characterized by the absence of specific clinical signs in aborting mares. Nonhemolytic Streptococcus spp. and Actinobacillus spp. accounted for 65% of the organisms isolated from fetuses submitted for a postmortem during the MRLS period in 2001 and 2002. The pathologic findings in fetoplacental units of LFL included bronchopneumonia and funisitis, and there were no findings in EFL. Epidemiologic studies conducted in 2001 suggested an association between the presences of eastern tent caterpillars (ETC) in pastures with MRLS. Experimental studies in pregnant mares by exposure to ETC, or administration by stomach tube or with feed material, reproduced EFL and LFL. Similar experimental studies in mouse, rats, and goats with ETC were unsuccessful. Currently, 2 hypotheses are proposed for MRLS. One hypothesis proposes that an ETC-related toxin with secondary opportunistic bacterial invasion of the fetus leads to MRLS. The second hypothesis suggests that a breach of gastrointestinal mucosal integrity by hairs of ETC leads to a bacteremia and results in MRLS. In 2004, a similar equine abortion storm was reported from Australia and caterpillar exposure was identified as a risk factor for the abortion. In 2006, the syndrome was observed in Florida and New Jersey.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M M Sebastian
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, BB1810, Columbia University, 650 W 168th Street, New York, NY 31793 (USA).
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
|
26
|
Abstract
The discovery that the eastern tent caterpillar Malacosoma americanum (F.) causes mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS), and thus has the potential to continue to result in major economic losses to the equine industry of Kentucky, has resulted in an intensive effort to identify practical means to monitor and control this defoliator, including these experiments to optimize a sex pheromone trap for this pest. A pheromone-baited delta trap with a large opening, such as InterceptST Delta, was more effective than other tested traps. Orange delta traps caught more moths than other tested colors. ETC males are caught at all tested heights within the tree canopy. For monitoring flights, setting traps at 1.5 m would allow easy counting of moths. A 9:1 blend of (E,Z)-5,7-dodecadienal (ETC-Ald) and (E,Z)-5,7-dodecadienol (ETC-OH) was most effective in capturing males. Increasing loading doses of a 3:1 blend (Ald:OH) resulted in the capture of increasing numbers of moths, but a 9:1 blend was more effective than 3:1 blend even at a nine-fold lower loading rate. Pheromone-impregnated white septa caught more moths than gray septa at the same loading dose. The advantages and limitations of using pheromone traps for monitoring M. americanum are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth F Haynes
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Jones SL, Valenzisi A, Sontakke S, Sprayberry KA, Maggi R, Hegarty B, Breitschwerdt E. Use of an insect cell culture growth medium to isolate bacteria from horses with effusive, fibrinous pericarditis: A preliminary study. Vet Microbiol 2007; 121:177-81. [PMID: 17204376 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2006.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2006] [Revised: 11/21/2006] [Accepted: 11/23/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Effusive, fibrinous pericarditis is an uncommon disease entity in horses. In 2001, pericarditis occurred in conjunction with an epizootic in central Kentucky that was associated with exposure to eastern tent caterpillars (ETCs). Bacterial isolation from equine pericardial fluid samples was attempted using an insect cell culture growth medium (ICCGM). Using previously cultured, stored frozen samples from four horses with fibrinous pericarditis, inoculation of 10% blood agar plates yielded no growth, whereas simultaneous inoculation of ICCGM resulted in the isolation of Proprionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus equorum, a Streptococcus sp. and Pseudomonas rhodesiae from pericardial fluid samples. A similar or novel caterpillar-associated bacteria was not identified; however, use of an ICCGM might enhance isolation of bacteria from equine pericardial fluid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel L Jones
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
|
29
|
Thompson JA, Brown SE, Riddle WT, Seahorn JC, Cohen ND. Use of a Bayesian risk-mapping technique to estimate spatial risks for mare reproductive loss syndrome in Kentucky. Am J Vet Res 2005; 66:17-20. [PMID: 15691030 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.2005.66.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate spatial risks associated with mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS) during 2001 among horses in a specific study population and partition the herd effects into those attributable to herd location and those that were spatially random and likely attributable to herd management. Animals-Pregnant broodmares from 62 farms in 7 counties in central Kentucky. PROCEDURE Veterinarians provided the 2001 abortion incidence proportions for each farm included in the study. Farms were georeferenced and data were analyzed by use of a fully Bayesian risk-mapping technique. RESULTS Large farm-to-farm variation in MRLS incidence proportions was identified. The farm-to-farm variation was largely attributed to spatial location rather than to spatially random herd effects. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicate that there are considerable data to support an ecologic cause and potential ecologic risk factors for MRLS. Veterinary practitioners with more detailed knowledge of the ecology in the 7 counties in Kentucky that were investigated may provide additional data that would assist in the deduction of the causal factor of MRLS via informal geographic information systems analyses and suggest factors for inclusion in further investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James A Thompson
- Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4475, USA. USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Potter DA, Foss L, Baumler RE, Held DW. Managing Eastern tent caterpillars Malacosoma americanum (F) on horse farms to reduce risk of mare reproductive loss syndrome. Pest Manag Sci 2005; 61:3-15. [PMID: 15593079 DOI: 10.1002/ps.958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
An equine disease now known as mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS) struck the Ohio Valley in 2001-2002 causing thousands of foal abortions and enormous economic loss. Evidence that pregnant mares' exposure to Eastern tent caterpillars Malacosoma americanum (F) induces MRLS created an urgent call for control measures suitable for use on horse farms. We surveyed egg mass distribution and monitored emergence in wild cherry trees, and evaluated reduced-risk treatment strategies including foliage sprays, trunk injections, winter egg mass treatments and barrier sprays to intercept larvae entering pastures. Egg masses were concentrated in the lower canopy, on exposed sides of trees. Larval emergence began in mid-March. Emergence was prolonged (3-4 weeks) in 2002, a typically cool spring, but more synchronized in warmer 2003. Winter treatment of egg masses with bifenthrin or permethrin in a penetrating solvent prevented emergence, but 3% horticultural oil was ineffective for that purpose. Insecticidal soap or oil sprayed directly on neonates gave relatively poor control. Bifenthrin and spinosad were effective as foliage sprays against all instars, their field-weathered residues active for at least 7 days. Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner var kurstaki controlled neonates within 3 days but was less active against late instars, with shorter residual action than bifenthrin or spinosad. Larvae did not avoid insecticide-treated leaves. Trunk microinjection of cherry trees with dicrotophos was effective against all instars, whereas microinjection with milbemectin or abamectin gave poor or inconsistent control. Trunk injection with emamectin benzoate also was effective. Dry permethrin residues controlled late instars crawling in pasture grass for at least 7 days. Factors complicating M americanum management on horse farms are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Potter
- Department of Entomology, S-225 Agriculture Science Bldg North, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0091, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|