Risk factors for Clostridium piliforme infection in foals.

This study examines the risk factors for Clostridium piliforme infection in newborn horses (foals) on a Thoroughbred breeding farm in California. It found that risk factors include a specific foaling season period, the residence status of the mare, and the age of the mare.

Research Context and Methods

• The research was conducted on Thoroughbred foals at a breeding farm in California. Foals could be either born on the farm or have traveled there with their dam (mother).
• The study took place over three breeding seasons spanning 1998, 1999, and 2000 and involved 322 neonatal Thoroughbred foals.
• A case-control design was implemented, and mare and foal records over the three years were examined to identify variables associated with an increased risk of C. piliforme infection.
• Risk factors identified via the case-control study were then re-examined with a retrospective cohort design, utilizing data from all foals present on the farm during the three-year study period.

Results

• Foals born between March 13 and April 13 were 7.2 times more likely to contract C. piliforme infection than those born at any other time in the foaling season.
• Nonresident (visiting) mares’ foals were 3.4 times more susceptible to disease than the foals of mares permanently living on the farm.
• Foals from mares below the age of six were 2.9 times more likely to become diseased than those born to older mares.

Conclusions and Implications

• The findings can be used to better understand the epidemiology of the C. piliforme infection in horses.
• By identifying high-risk foals (those born between March 13 and April 13, foals from visiting mares, and foals from mares under six years old), they can be closely observed to help with early diagnosis and treatment.
• This could improve the clinical outcome for infected foals, increasing the likelihood of recovery.