Diseases in neonatal foals. Part 2: potential risk factors for a higher incidence of infectious diseases during the first 30 days post partum.

This research investigated potential risk factors for increased incidence of infectious diseases among newborn Thoroughbred foals in their first 30 days post birth, using data from over a thousand foals born on stud farms in Newmarket, UK, in 2005. Factors such as birth complications, colostrum intake method, and balance of white and red blood cells within 48 hours post birth were found to significantly influence disease incidence. However, certain preemptive measures previously considered to influence disease outcome were not confirmed.

Study Overview

This research focused on identifying potential risk factors that could increase the incidence of infectious diseases in newborn foals during the crucial first 30 days post birth. At this developmental stage, foals are potentially more vulnerable to diseases due to environmental stresses and perinatal conditions. The population for the study included 1,031 Thoroughbred foals born in 2005 on stud farms in the Newmarket area of the UK.

Methodology

• The researchers followed up on these foals for their initial 30 days, studying a wide range of factors believed to impact the incidence of neonatal infectious diseases.
• A logistic regression approach was utilised to examine each of the 28 different factors, resulting in three outcome categories: total infectious diseases, systemic disease with diarrhoea, and total infectious diseases excluding diarrhoea.
• The factors under consideration were either related to the foal, the mare, or the stud farm.

Results of the Study

• The study made several significant findings: complexities during the birth process, intake of colostrum via a stomach tube, and leucocytosis (increase in the number of white blood cells) within 12-48 hours post birth, were all identified as risk factors contributing to a higher incidence of disease.
• In contrast, being born in a ‘boarding stud’ seems to have a protective effect against disease incidence.

Conclusions

• Contrary to existing beliefs, certain prophylactic treatments and factors were not found to be relevant. For instance, the mare’s duration at the stud farm prior to foaling, the mare’s rotavirus vaccination schedule, and certain fibrinogen-values were not found to have any significant influence on the foal’s health outcome.
• In assessing the health risks for newborn foals, factors such as stud farm management, the birth process, the method of colostrum intake, and the levels of white and red blood cells should be considered.
• Such considerations should aid in the early detection of foals prone to infections, enabling the initiation of target-specific preventive measures.