The stallion and mare reproductive system
Authors: Ricketts S.W., Barrelet A., Barrelet F.E., Stoneham S.J.
Journal: The Equine Manual
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Antibiotic Resistance in Equine Reproductive Infections Reproductive tract infections in horses and donkeys remain common clinical presentations, yet their management is increasingly complicated by rising antibiotic resistance amongst causative bacteria—a problem that demands renewed attention to prescribing practices and alternative therapeutic strategies. Ricketts and colleagues conducted a comprehensive review of bacterial infections affecting the equine reproductive system (encompassing the female and male genital tracts and mammary tissue), cataloguing the principal pathogens involved and synthesising current knowledge on antimicrobial resistance profiles across these infections in both horses and donkeys. The authors emphasise that whilst antibiotic therapy is standard practice, indiscriminate use drives microbial imbalance and accelerates resistance development, ultimately limiting effective treatment options when genuinely needed. Beyond simply documenting resistance patterns, the review identifies practical clinical approaches to mitigate resistance dissemination—including judicious antibiotic selection, minimising unnecessary prophylaxis, and exploring non-antimicrobial interventions—all framed within the One Health paradigm that recognises resistance as a shared threat to equine, human, and environmental health. For equine practitioners, this work underscores the necessity of culture and sensitivity testing prior to treatment, careful antibiotic stewardship specific to reproductive infections, and ongoing engagement with emerging alternatives to preserve the efficacy of antimicrobials where they remain essential.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Consider antibiotic resistance patterns when treating reproductive infections; avoid routine broad-spectrum antibiotic use without culture and sensitivity testing
- •Explore and adopt alternative treatment approaches (probiotics, immunotherapy, phytotherapy) where evidence supports efficacy to reduce antimicrobial selection pressure
- •Implement judicious antibiotic stewardship protocols in your practice to protect long-term effectiveness of these critical medications for equine reproductive medicine
Key Findings
- •Antibiotic administration for equine reproductive disorders is standard practice but risks microbial imbalance and antibiotic resistance development
- •Bacterial antibiotic resistance is a significant limiting factor in treating equine reproductive infections
- •Alternative therapeutic approaches to antibiotic treatment are needed to address rising resistance threat
- •One Health perspective implementation is essential for minimizing dissemination of resistant bacterial strains to humans and environment