Interesting info 4 those w/mares in foal

[Pasogirlz]

I found this on the health forum of another board and thought I'd share.


Okay, lots of people are now starting to breed, spring is coming and there are lots of tent catapillars on the way. Tent cattapillaers are known to fall from trees and bushes into water troughs, once they are in there they die and produce small amounts of Cyanide that pollutes the water trough. This does not affect the horses but does cause premature abortion in in foal mares.
PLEASE MOVE WATER TROUGHS AWAY FROM WOODED AREAS, TREES AND BUSHES
this will help to stop this happeneing. Tennessee had a bad year 04 when mares would mysteriouesly abort for what seemed to be no apparent reason, after vets had looked into this phenominon, it was found that the tent cattapilla was the cause, it falls in the water and poisons the unborn foal.
Just thought you guys may not know about it, so move troughs to safe open areas.
Sharon

[appyday]

ummm interesting..

[Jasfino]

Thanks for posting that warning.

[PASOFAN]

Are tent worms the same as Army worms here in the MN? I think they are.. Thanks for the info!!

[Abejita]

This is what causes MRLS (mare reproductive loss syndrome) which is what has been in the news for the last 4-5 years I think, mainly started being noticed in KY at first (earlier spring in the south.) Research it on the web at reputable sites..I admit I am not 100% up to date on it , but I remember that they were also advising you to remove certain species of tree (cherry was one) as the tent caterpillar seemed to prefer dining/living on these trees.The caterpillars enmass can also leave the cyanide residue on your pasture and horses may inadvertantly eat them to.