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Leptospiral Abortions in Kentucky MaresBy Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 21, 2011
Pregnant mares may abort because of leptospiral infection, and infected mares that carry a foal to full term may deliver a weak or stillborn foal. Cases of leptospiral abortion occur sporadically, often with only one or two cases on a particular farm each year. Environmental conditions and wildlife populations may influence the number of cases. In Kentucky, only two abortions were attributed to leptospiral infection in 2006, but there were 42 cases in 2007. Six cases in 2008 and 10 cases in 2009 were followed by another spike of 31 abortions in 2010.
Leptospirosis is spread from wild animals to horses when bacteria enter through the skin or membranes of the eye or mouth. Contact with blood or urine from an affected animal is a common mode of transmission. Horses can also pick up the infection if they eat hay or feed contaminated by infected blood or urine. Skunks, raccoons, deer, squirrels, mice and other animals can spread the disease to horses, cows, pigs, dogs, and humans, among other species.
Though preventive vaccines have been developed for cattle and dogs, no such vaccine exists for horses. Treatment of affected equines consists of antibiotic therapy and supportive care. Stable management should include measures to keep wildlife out of barns and areas where hay and feed are stored.
