A study in under way in the United States to learn more about leptosporosis in the wake of a outbreak in Central Kentucky, with hopes the work might bring scientists closer to a vaccine for horses.
It is hoped that the epidemiological study and a nationwide economic impact study into the disease will help raise awareness of the disease and foster development of a horse vaccine, which the study participants say is much needed.
The University of Kentucky's Livestock Disease Diagnostic Centre has confirmed 40 cases of equine leptospirosis in central Kentucky in the last nine months, compared with only two during the same period a year earlier.
The study is being conducted by a working group made up of staff from the Livestock Disease Diagnostic Centre and Gluck Equine Research Centre, along with a College of Public Health biostatistician and two local equine practitioners.
Equine leptospirosis is a bacterial disease found worldwide. It affects many species, including horses and people, and is usually spread through contact with the bacteria in urine of wild animals. It can also be found in the urine of some domesticated species, such as cattle, dogs, and pigs.
Infected horses may suffer fever, become listless, or go off their feed. Owners often see eyes with swelling, squinting, blinking, cloudiness, tearing, and swelling. Pregnant mares will often lose foals late in gestation. Liver and kidney damage can be a fatal complication.
Vaccines are on the market for dogs and cattle, but not horses. The cattle vaccine has been shown to give poor results in horses, and produce side effects.
Practical prevention measures involve keeping wildlife from areas where horses live and eat. Horses should be prevented from drinking from stagnant ponds.
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