We’re pleased to announce that phase two of the Post-Mortem of Late-Term Pregnancy Loss Project in South-East Queensland has commenced.
This project is funded through the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program. It aims to determine the causes of late-term pregnancy loss in Australia and analyse these causes for trends. The results will be included in an anonymous database to collate information from post-mortems, while breeders will receive results for each foetus they provide. These results will be provided free of charge but there is a limited number available. The anonymous results will be utilised by researchers to produce reports for breeders on the prevalence and causes of mid to late term pregnancy loss across the industry.
All post-mortem assessments in Southern Queensland will be completed by the Darling Downs Vets Equine Unit – 379 Wellcamp Westbrook Road, Wellcamp QLD 3250, headed by director and equine surgeon, Dr. Stephen Rayner. In collaboration with Dr. Rayner a protocol has been created to direct breeders to drop foetuses off and receive results as quickly as possible, as outlined below:
2. When collecting and transporting the foetus double bagging is essential to prevent the potential spread of EHV. It is also crucial to prevent leaking. Extra thick bags are strongly suggested as normal rubbish bags are prone to tear and leak. To preserve the foetus it’s suggested breeders place it in a bin or esky with ice beneath and on top.
3. Upon delivery, a consent form must be signed by the individual at drop-off. This consent form is attached HERE and is also available at Darling Downs Vets.
4. Breeders will then be provided with a full report following the post-mortem. The full results are expected to be sent back within five working days, but the EHV PCR will be sent as soon as it’s available which is expect to be within 48 working hours. For the purpose of the broader research, all details will stay strictly confidential and the data will have no direct link to any horse or breeder.
TBA believes this is an important initiative that will benefit breeders in Southern Queensland but also the whole industry. TBA will send further communication if these quotas are close to being filled to prevent farms bringing a foetus for testing after the funding has ceased.
Attached
HERE is a frequently asked questions document which may answer any other questions you have.
Please feel free to reach out to James Murray on 0407 137 032 or
james@aushorse.net.au if you have any questions or queries.