The raising of equine colostrum-deprived foals; maintenance and assessment of specific pathogen (EHV-1/4) free status.

The study involves raising 22 foals in conditions free from Equid herpesvirus, using interventions like separation at birth, antibiotic prophylaxis, and special feeding. The health and developmental progress of the foals were regularly assessed to confirm their free status from the pathogen.

Research Methodology

• This two-year study involved full-term foals from Welsh Mountain pony mares. The aim was to raise them in an environment free from Equid herpesvirus (EHV-1/4), a common equine pathogen.
• To predict the perfect time for parturition, the research team monitored the electrolytes in the mares’ colostrum. Upon nearing birth, mares were either left to foal naturally under supervision or induced using intravenous oxytocin.
• Once born, the foals were immediately taken away from their mothers and placed in a special, positive pressure isolation unit to prevent any potential contamination. They were given a course of antibiotics as a prophylactic measure.
• For sustenance, the foals were fed bovine colostrum in the first twenty-four hours, followed by a mare’s milk replacement until they were weaned.

Outcome of the Study

• Out of the 22 foals, one died from an E. coli infection at eight days old. This foal had not received the antibiotic prophylaxis, suggesting the importance of this intervention.
• Two other foals developed a streptococcal upper respiratory tract infection but recovered completely after antibiotic treatment. Their infection did not spread to other members of the herd.
• Minor health problems were observed in a small number of the foals, including a self-limiting upper respiratory tract infection in one foal and mild diarrhea in six others. Despite these issues, physical development in all the specific pathogen-free (SPF) foals was deemed normal, and their behaviour was comparable to conventionally hand-reared foals.
• All newborn foals were quarantined within the isolation unit, extensively checked for EHV-1/4 infection, and moved to the main unit only when free of infection.
• Follow-up checks for EHV-1/4 were performed over a period ranging from two to four months. No clinical symptoms, evidence from virus isolation, sero-conversion, or specific lymphocyte transformation indicated any of the SPF foals being infected with EHV-1/4.

Conclusion

• The study effectively demonstrated a methodology to raise foals in an environment free from EHV-1/4 infection.
• The interventions, including separation from the dam after birth, antibiotic prophylaxis, and feeding of bovine colostrum, appear effective in maintaining this SPF status.
• The research results point towards a successful approach to nurture equine health, inviting further investigation to confirm its broad-scale effectiveness in different settings.