There are many factors that can cause abortion in mares.

Non-infectious causes of abortion are more common than infectious causes.

Problems associated with the umbilical cord, disorders of the placenta, disorders of the foetus, twins, stress and trauma are examples of non-infectious causes of abortion.

Infectious causes of abortion include: bacterial infections such as E. coli, Streptococcus zooepidemicus and Leptospira spp.; fungal infections such as Aspergillus; and viral infections such as Equine Herpes Virus type 1 (EHV1).

This Primefact provides information on the following:

• Prevention of EHV1 abortion
• Management of abortions
• Diagnosis
• Reporting
• Minimising disruption to breeding enterprises