The Equine Fetal Membranes. What is normal?

A notable challenge for the industry is the loss of foals during pregnancy from fetal membrane disease, affecting 5-10% of pregnant mares in Australia, resulting in substantial economic losses, and health risks from spreading infectious disease to other horses and staff. 

This research project will visually and microscopically examine and document the fetal membranes from mares that deliver during the 2023 thoroughbred breeding season and study their microbial community in selected cases. The project goal aims to further understand the range of normal appearances and microbiome of the equine fetal membranes. Furthermore, the newborn foal’s health will be correlated with any fetal membrane findings. This research enables equine veterinary pathologists to better comprehend and diagnose fetal membrane diseases that contribute to horse abortions and identify disease risks in newborn foals.