A Diagnostic Survey of Aborted Equine Fetuses and Stillborn Premature Foals in Denmark.
Authors: Agerholm Jørgen Steen, Klas Eva-Maria, Damborg Peter, Borel Nicole, Pedersen Hanne Gervi, Christoffersen Mette
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Equine Abortion Aetiology in Denmark Danish researchers conducted a 13-month prospective survey of 50 aborted or stillborn foetuses submitted for post-mortem examination, employing comprehensive necropsy and laboratory diagnostic methods to establish the causes of pregnancy loss across the national mare population. A definitive diagnosis was established in 72% of cases, revealing that non-infectious causes predominated at 62% overall, with severe umbilical cord torsion obstructing feto-placental circulation emerging as the single most common finding. Infectious agents accounted for 20% of diagnosed losses—primarily opportunistic bacterial species (12%), equid alphaherpesvirus type 1 (8%), and sporadic cases of EHV-4 and Chlamydiaceae, though the latter two were not definitively implicated as causative agents. These findings diverge notably from disease prevalence patterns reported in other regions, underscoring the importance of establishing regionally-specific data rather than extrapolating from international literature, and they suggest that practitioners should prioritise mechanical and placental pathology in diagnostic investigations whilst maintaining heightened vigilance for EHV-1 as a significant infectious threat. The study's emphasis on standardised diagnostic criteria for differentiating EHV types 1 and 4 has important implications for abortion notification schemes and herd management protocols in stud farms.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Umbilical cord torsion is the leading cause of fetal loss in Danish mares—focus preventative management on factors that may increase torsion risk during pregnancy
- •While viral abortion (EHV-1) is a serious concern, non-infectious causes account for the majority of losses; necropsy with full diagnostic workup is essential to determine cause and inform herd management
- •Standardized diagnostic criteria are needed for EHV typing in aborted material, as identification does not always prove causation
Key Findings
- •A cause of fetal loss was established in 72% of 50 examined cases in Danish mares over 13 months
- •Non-infectious causes accounted for 62% of losses, with umbilical cord torsion being the most prevalent single cause
- •EHV type 1 was responsible for 8% of pregnancy losses, while opportunistic bacteria accounted for 12%
- •EHV type 4 and Chlamydiaceae were identified but not established as primary causes of fetal loss