It appears the number of incidents and symptoms of mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS) in Central Kentucky are slowing, but there is still no definitive way to arrive at that conclusion. The number of fetuses taken to the University of Kentucky’s diagnostic lab so far this year do not approach the number identified with MRLS-related symptoms in 2001, and area veterinary clinics are reporting less MRLS traffic.

A recent unofficial survey by Dr. Stuart Brown of the reproductive veterinarians at Hagyard-Davidson-McGee veterinary clinic near Lexington shows a preliminary 12% early fetal loss rate among 2,103 mares in that practice.

Brown asked his peers to look at the mares they checked between May 6-17 that were 45 or more days into their pregnancies. Of the 2,103 mares, 255 exhibited early loss or early-term abortions. Though the numbers are not definitive, they are one of the first clear indications of the number of losses in 2002.

As for a total statistical study, the suggestion met with a positive response at the May 7 meeting of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers’ Club (KTFMC). However, club president Eric Hamelback said putting that into practice has been a challenge