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IRISH EYES ARE SMILING!! – CHELTENHAM 2003-03-13 The ITBA would like to congratulate the connections, in particular the breeders, of the following Cheltenham winners; Tuesday 11/3/03 Gerrard Wealth Management Supreme Novices’ Hurdle BACK IN FRONT (Ire) – Bred by Miss Noreen Hayes, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick William Hill National Hunt Handicap Chase YOULNEVERWALKALONE (Ire) – Buckley Osborne Partnership, Naas, Co. Kildare Wednesday 12/3/03 Royal & Sun Alliance Novices’ Hurdle HARDY EUSTACE (Ire) – Patrick Joyce, Thurles, Co. Tipperary Royal & Sun Alliance Chase ONE KNIGHT (Ire) – Joeffrey Thompson, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick Queen Mother Champion Chase MOSCOW FLYER (Ire) – Edward Joyce, Meelick, Co. Clare Coral Cup (Hurdle) XENOPHEN (Ire) – Patrick Cannon, Drogheda, Co. Louth ITBA NATIONAL BREEDING & RACING AWARDS HAILS LIFETIME GREATS The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association held their National Breeding & Racing Awards Dinner in the Killashee House Hotel (Friday 21st February). This is the Association’s annual opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding successes of the previous year and to honour those who have made a lifetime contribution to the industry. The Irish thoroughbred has carved out a reputation for excellence and 2002 proved no exception. In 2002 Irish bred and trained horses won a total of 20 Group 1 races in Europe, 3 more in North America and the Melbourne Cup. A review of the 2001/2002 seasons demonstrates the quality of Irish bred national hunt horses, many of them graduates of the point-to-point field. Almost every major chase, including the Gold Cup, the King George, the Champion Chase and the English, Irish, Welsh and Scottish Grand Nationals, were won by Irish breds. The main award of the evening was The Hall of Fame Award – Sponsored by Kildangan Stud, it went to a man fully deserving of the finest accolade the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association can bestow, Stan Cosgrove. A colourful man and a successful breeder in his own right, the front man for one of the most important racing and breeding operations in Ireland in Moyglare Stud, a veterinary surgeon, a fighter for all those working within the industry and a witty raconteur. 2002 was a particular joy for him as Grandera whom he bred was acclaimed a world champion. It was an outstanding year for Moyglare with winners such as Media Puzzle, Irresistible Jewel, Dress To Thrill and Refuse To Bend taking the world stage and Stan even got a celebratory kiss at Ascot from Agbani Darego, the current Miss World! 350 guests were thrilled with the outcome of the National Hunt Achievement for 2002 – Sponsored by Horse Racing Ireland it honours the achievements of the Bowe family who not only bred, own and train the mighty Limestone Lad, but have now added a further star to their stable in the shape of Solerina, again bred, owned and trained within the family circle. A new award has been introduced in 2003 & sponsored by the ITBA for Contribution to the Industry by an Employee. The career of Mick Burke is one of dedicated service to the many facets of the bloodstock and racing industry. Travelling horses has been a speciality of Mick and he accompanied the great Istabraq every time he won at the Cheltenham Festival and was in charge of the teams in 1964 when Ireland won the World Championship at Burghley. In earlier times Mick rode work on greats such as Hattons Grace and Cottage Rake, having served his time with Vincent O’Brien. In order of presentation the first award of the evening went to Judy Dene who was responsible for the production of the winner of the inaugural Breeders Foal Levy Stakes at the Curragh in mid-October, Vettriano. This race, which is one of the most valuable two-year-old races of the year, is funded by Irish breeders through the Foal Levy Scheme, which was introduced in 2000. Leading Irish-bred 2-year-old - Sponsored appropriately by Tattersalls Ireland went to Tout Seul, bred in Omagh, County Tyrone by Johnston King. This son of Ali-Royal won the valuable Tattersalls Breeders Stakes and the Group 1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes in Newmarket. Three-Year-Old award – Sponsored by Goffs went to breeders Joe Crowley, his daughter Anne-Marie and son-in-law Aidan O’Brien. They bred the world’s best three-year-old Rock of Gibraltar, and from a mare that they purchased for a mere 11,000gns at Goffs. Surely one of the outstanding bargains of the last number of decades. ‘The Rock’, now resident at Coolmore, broke the longstanding record of Mill Reef when capturing his seventh successive Group 1 success at Longchamp in the Prix du Moulin. He has been variously described this season as, ‘a super horse’, ‘the ultimate racehorse’ and ‘one of the greatest of all time’. The Broodmare of 2002 – Sponsored by Airlie Stud, went to Loon and her owners David Hanley and James Egan. Loon, who was purchased for 13,000gns, produced the Eclipse Award winner Golden Apples and Group winner Alexander Three D. Leading Hurdler last season - Sponsored by Gowla this was a case where the fairer sex once again proved their superiority. The mare Like-A-Butterfly earns breeder P J McGee the Waterford Crystal trophy; she is now winner of nine of her ten career starts. Chaser Award of 2002 – Sponsored by Scarvagh House Stud went to Edward Joyce who is the breeder of the mighty Moscow Flyer who remains unbeaten in any chase he has completed. including the Grade 1 Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase and the Grade 1 Swordlestown Cup at Punchestown. Breeder of 2002 – Sponsored by the Irish National Stud went to Sean Coughlan, the breeder of dual European Classic winner and Eclipse Award winner in the USA, High Chaparral. This achievement must be acknowledged as something special. Outstanding Contribution – Sponsored by Coolmore was given to the most worthy recipients in the Ballymacoll Stud. Not only the place where the great Arkle was born, the stud has had immense contribution to the industry and been associated with many top class winners and racing greats. Horses like Troy, winner of the 200th Derby by seven lengths, Sun Princess, Pilsudski, Reform, Sallust are household names and the 2002 season saw Golan land the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes and Islington become a dual Group 1 winner. NATIONAL BREEDING CONFERENCE 21st March 2003, Rathsallagh Golf Club, Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow Eastern Clinical Society The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Eastern Clinical Society, Veterinary Ireland and The Irish Equine Centre will jointly host a meeting for Breeders and Veterinary Surgeons at Rathsallagh Golf Club, Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow on Friday 21st March 2003. Topic; R. equi infection in Foals The Irish Equine Centre co – hosted a meeting with the ITBA and Veterinary Ireland, which provided new information to both Breeders and veterinary Surgeons in August 2002. The concept of joining both groups to address management and clinical problems of immediate common interest proved highly successful. A further similar meeting, linking the ITBA and Eastern Clinical Society, has therefore been scheduled to take place at Rathsallagh Golf Club on Friday 21st march 2003. The meeting will contain a series of presentations on Rhodococcus equi, an important disease of foals. The speakers include experts on the National Development Plan (NDP) funded research projects relating to this disease that is currently being carried out by the Irish Equine Centre. Each of the contributions has been prepared in a way that will make it easy to understand for both sectors of the audience and the conference will be chaired by Mr. John O’ Connor, MRCVS, Manager of Ballylinch Stud and Chairman of the ITBA. Practical recommendations useful to both groups will be offered to all. It promises to be a highly educational afternoon and evening, with the added dimension of a very pleasant social gathering. Rathsallagh House, have offered a reduced rate for all Registrants, of _80.00 pps for the Superior rooms which includes their award winning breakfast with *first preference dinner reservations going to Conference attendees. This rate will be available for either the Thursday night preceding the conference or the Friday night of the Conference. All facilities will be made available to anyone who would like to avail of this very generous offer. * Book early. Limited availability. The programme and registration details are as follows Programme 4:00 - 4:15 Coffee + Registration 4:15 - 4:20 Official Opening Session Chairman: John O’Connor MVB MRCVS. Chairman. ITBA 4:20 - 4:25 Address by Sponsor. Dr. Joe Wade BVM MSc, PhD Technical Business Manager. Bioniche Animal Health Europe Ltd., 4:25 - 4:55 Background to R. equi in Ireland and NDP funded R. equi projects at Irish Equine Centre. D.P. Leadon MA, MVB, MSc, FRCVS, DECEIM RCVS registered Consultant / Specialist in Equine Medicine .Irish Equine Centre 4.55 - 5.25 Clinical features of R. equi in Ireland (incidence, ages, diagnosis and treatment.) Dr. M. Klay Dr.med Vet (Berne) MRCVS. Swordlestown Little, Naas. 5:25 - 5:45 Pathology of R. Equi Dr. U. Fogarty MVB PhD MRCVS Irish Equine Centre 5:45 - 6:05 Developing a PCR/a new diagnostic test for R. equi and R. equi Vaccine Development Thomas C. Buckley MSc FIBMS Irish Equine Centre & Prof. Dragan Rogan. Vice President R &D BionicheAnimal Health , Canada 6:05 - 6:15 Special features of R. equi Dr. Wim Meijer Dublin Molecular Medicine Centre, UCD. 6.15 - 6:45 Break Session Moderator: Mark McRedmond MVB MRCVS President. Eastern Clinical Society. Veterinary Ireland 6:45 - 7:15 Sources of R. equi in the Stud farm Environment. Dr. Gary Muscatello, Faculty of Veterinary Science University of Melbourne 7:15 - 7:45 The use of "R. equi plasma" dealing with R. equi infection. Professor Paul Lunn BVSc, MS, PhD, MRCVS, Dip.ACVIM Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs Director, VMTH School of Veterinary Medicine University of Wisconsin. 7:45 - 8:15 Discussion 8.15 Light refreshments – soup and sandwiches _____________________________________________________________________ The registration fee for both Breeders and Veterinary Surgeons is Euros 45. Pre – booking is essential. Contact: Mary Metcalfe Clinical Pathology Unit. Irish Equine Centre. 045.866.266 (Tel.) 045.866.273 (Fax) ITBA VETERINARY UPDATE – K Strickland, MRCVS, EQUINE VIRAL ARTERITIS and ARTERVAC VACCINE. As most breeders know by now, the killed vaccine Artervac, available for a number of years under a special licence from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (DAFRD) for the protection of stallions, was withdrawn from use last year due to contamination with an extraneous virus. The virus, of feline origin, is harmless to horses and in no way interfered with the immunity in horses derived from the EVA element of the vaccine. However, regulations governing the production of vaccines do not allow of such a situation and so the vaccine was withdrawn. The manufacturers, Fort Dodge Laboratories, have informed us that a fresh, clean batch of Artervac should be available in mid to late March. This wills however, be too late to vaccinate stallions for the current season as the recommendation is that vaccinated horses are not used for two weeks after receiving the vaccine. The consequence is that previously vaccinated stallions have not received their annual booster shot and new season sires are totally unprotected. Stallions which have been vaccinated annually over a number of years will have a residual level of potentially protective antibody and would respond rapidly to a virus challenge. Unvaccinated stallions are vulnerable to infection and could end up as virus shedders. While at present all evidence shows this country to be free of EVA, we are at a constant risk of importing the virus from our trading partners in many of which countries the virus is present and active. EVA is transmitted in a number of ways. It is basically a respiratory condition in which recently infected horses shed the virus via the nasal passages in the first days after infection with an obvious risk to in-contacts. Infection with some strains of the virus in pregnant mares can lead to abortion in which case the foetus, membranes and fluids are highly infectious. In the case of the disease in stallions there is a 30-60% chance of them becoming shedders of virus in their semen. Shedding can be of short duration but can be lifelong. The usefulness of these stallions subsequently is questionable and experience in Thoroughbreds to date is that breeders cease sending them mares. Another potent source of infection is artificial insemination with semen from shedding stallions. . It is therefore imperative that measures are taken to protect our equine population which being totally naïve, could suffer severely from the introduction of the disease. Vaccination is only one of the lines of defence against this disease. The others are outlined in the Codes of Practice (which also contains good descriptions of the disease). The shedding stallion is the primary key to the transmission and persistence of EVA in the breeding sector. Measures must be taken to ensure that our stallions do not come in contact directly or indirectly with the virus with the possibility of infection and becoming a shedder. This is most important this year in the absence of a vaccine most obviously in the case of unvaccinated horses. Stallions should only cover sero-negative mares or those sero-positive mares with a demonstrable stable or declining titre. Blood samples examined at a competent laboratory will establish the status of the mare Breeders in the non-Thoroughbred sector using A.I. must insist on certification from the donor stud of freedom from EVA in all shipments of semen before use. Breeders are advised to read the Code of Practice and to follow the recommendations therein. You should consult your veterinary surgeon and also the stallion stud to which your mare is booked as to their requirements in respect of EVA in 2003. Breeders are reminded that EVA is a notifiable disease in Ireland. Any suspicion of the disease or diagnosis of it must be reported to the local office of Department of Agriculture & Food immediately. FREE POST MORTEM SERVICE The Veterinary committee of the ITBA would like to remind breeders that a free post mortem service on Foetuses and Foals up to two weeks of age, funded by the Foal Levy, will continue to June 2003. For further information please contact the Irish Equine Centre at 056 - 866266 THE BREEDERS PRIZE SCHEME The Breeders’ Prizes Scheme was established in March 2001. Under the scheme prizes are awarded to the breeders of horses that win specified races. The scheme is funded by breeders’ contributions to the Thoroughbred Foal Levy. To qualify for a breeder’s prize the winning horse must have been foaled in Ireland (including Northern Ireland) and the winning breeder must have paid all amounts due under the Thoroughbred Foal Levy scheme. Foal levy Scheme Breeders’ Prizes August – September 2002
A SPECIAL TRIBUTE The Council of the ITBA would like to pay special tribute to Mrs. J. A. Dene, breeder of Vettriano, winner of the inaugural running of the Breeders’ Foal Levy Stakes. Mrs. Dene will be honoured with a special award in recognition of this achievement during the ITBA National Breeding and Racing Awards night in February 2003. Mrs. Dene will also soon be in receipt of some useful pocket money as a reward for breeding the winning horse. This is due to the recent establishment of a Breeders’ Prize Scheme, funded by the Foal Levy, which is a welcome bonus for breeders of both flat and national hunt horses. A similarly funded Foal Levy race is being organised for the National Hunt sector. IRISH BREEDERS FOAL LEVY STAKES The first running of the Irish Breeders Foal Levy 2-Y-O Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday, October 13th, 2002 provided racegoers with a most exciting finish with victory going to the Charles O’Brien trained Vettriano. The hot favourite here was the John Oxx trained Hanabad who was backed from 4/6 to 1/2 before the off but after showing up prominently under Johnny Murtagh for much of the race he came under pressure at the two furlong pole and was a beaten horse soon after. Aidan O’Brien’s Gianfanti hit the front at this stage but he was closely followed by solitary English raider Ikan with Vettriano making good headway in third place. The Nick Littmoden trained Ikan had to be switched when making her challenge outside the furlong marker as Vettriano edged to the front as the Michael Halford trained Miss Emma staged a storming late run on the outside and in a real thriller it was Vettriano who just held off Miss Emma by a head with the gallant Ikan just a neck further away in third place. There was a large English contingent supporting Ikan and they must have been delighted with her performance as this filly picked up the sum of EUR26,325 for her efforts while for winning trainer Charles O’Brien this was a notable victory for him on a day to remember as just over an hour later he sent out American Gothic to land the Hacketts Bookmakers Irish Cesarewitch Handicap to complete a fine double. EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT VOTES TO CHANGE THE FUTURE OF EQUINE VETERINARY MEDICINES All political groups in the European Parliament recently voted overwhelming in favour of amendments tabled by Mrs. Avril Doyle, MEP for Leinster, to the Directive on the Community Code relating to veterinary medicinal products. The European Parliament accepted amendments, that should bring a definitive and coherent solution to the long out-standing problem of a shortage of medicinal products used to treat horses. Products containing substances without maximum residual limits (MRL's) could now also be placed on the market for horses, thereby increasing dramatically the number of products available for horses. The legislative proposal will now move to the Council for another round of discussions with the Agricultural Ministers. At that stage, it is hoped and expected that Member States’ representatives will fully support the Parliament's significant improvements to the Commissions proposals on veterinary medicines. EUR100,000 Championship Bumper Bewleys Hotels and European Breeders Fund National Hunt Fillies Scheme The National Hunt Committee of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association would like to remind owners and trainers to have their fillies named and returned in training before the 5th of February 2003, if they wish to remain eligible for the inaugural running of the Championship bumper during the 2003 Punchestown Festival. Also organised for the 1st February 2003, in preparation for the Bewleys Hotels & EBF Championship bumper, is the Bewleys Prep Race confined to fillies to be run at Punchestown. This scheme is the culmination of work carried out by the ITBA National Hunt Committee and is a restructuring of the European Breeders Fund Premier National Hunt Fillies Scheme created in 1998. The new scheme will be sponsored by Bewleys Hotels is supported by the European Breeders Fund, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Goffs and Tattersalls (Ireland). The Bewleys Hotels and European Breeders Fund National Hunt Fillies Scheme is confined to three and four-year-old fillies, by EBF qualified stallions that go through the sales ring at the Goffs June National Hunt Sale, the Tattersalls (Ireland) Derby Sale and the Tattersalls (Ireland) August Sale. There are two races involved in the scheme, the first a Championship Bumper with a prize fund of EUR100,000 and the 2003 Punchestown Festival will see the premier running of this race. Place money will go down to the tenth horse and the Vendor and Purchaser of the first, second and third will also be acknowledged with a prize fund allocation of EUR14,000. Not to be left out, the Breeder of the winning horse will receive a cheque for EUR1,500 courtesy of the ITBA. This will be followed by the Bewleys Hotels & ITBA Fillies Bonus Bumper, to be run at Punchestown in November/December 2003. Balloons and Stud Farms The Association has been in contact with the Irish Ballooning Association regarding any possible hazards resulting from balloons flying in the vicinity of stud farms. They have informed us that currently there are eight balloons in Ireland with two commercial ride operators. They are very sensitive to equine needs and have stud farms marked on their maps in order to cause minimum disruption. Balloonists are regulated by the regulations of the Irish Aviation Authority, a copy of which is available at the ITBA office. Any breeder who would like to contact the Irish Ballooning Association for further information or to check that their farm is marked on their maps, can do so by logging on to their website – see contact section, or by contacting the ITBA office. www.irishballooning.com IRISH EQUINE CENTRE Following discussions between the Veterinary Committee of the ITBA and Dr Ann Cullinane of the Virology Unit of the Irish Equine Centre, a number of modifications have been introduced on a trial basis to their procedures, in order to help preserve Ireland’s EVA free status and to ensure that breeders have their EVA blood tests results as quickly as possible. The Unit will be open from 9am to 8pm / 9pm during the busiest periods of the 2002 season. Whenever possible all EVA samples received before 4pm Monday to Friday will be set up on the day of submission. Samples must be submitted before 1pm on Bank Holiday Mondays. Samples submitted at the weekend will not be set up until the following Monday. As in previous years, tests will be read on Saturday and Sunday and results made available to the Veterinary Surgeon on request. The test takes a minimum of 48 hours and many samples take significantly longer due to circumstances beyond control of the Virology Unit. POINT TO POINTS ITM are sponsoring the Formcard Point-to-Point results service to promote the sale of Irish point-to-point horses. The full results service is available each Monday on www.itm.ie/ptp with breeding details and race comments on the first four home. A preliminary results service is also available from 9pm on Sunday evening. The current season has seen some wonderful performances from former Irish point to pointers, including Florida Pearl’s King George win, Supreme Glory’s victory in the Welsh National and Gunther McBride’s seventeen length Racing Post Chase victory in February. With an increased prize fund from Horseracing Ireland, every Irish Point-to-Point is now worth a minimum of EUR1,000 making the standard of Irish point-to-points higher than ever. THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS' REVIEW here are several issues that the ITBA will continue to represent and inform breeders on in the coming year. Now that the ITBA has successfully lobbied to have Thoroughbred breeders included for grant aid under the National Development Plan, it is important to ensure breeders are aware of the grant application process and the eligibility criteria, laid down by the Department of Agriculture, which must be met in order to avail of the grant. The ITBA will continue to organize seminars and information evenings for breeders who wish to learn more about this scheme. We are also liaising with the Department of Agriculture and passing on feedback to them regarding the scheme from our members who have already applied for the grant. Two other very important issues to all Thoroughbred breeders are the European Union’s Veterinary Medicines Act, which could lead to many necessary drugs needed in the equine industry being gradually withdrawn from use, and that of ongoing disease monitoring. The ITBA are working in co – operation with Veterinary Ireland, the Department of Agriculture and Senator Avril Doyle to progress the issue of the Veterinary Medicines Act further. The outbreak of Foot & Mouth in the UK and Ireland during the past year has emphasized the disastrous consequences such a virulent disease can have on our industry. The Association has a veterinarian consultant, Mr. Kenneth Strickland, who in conjunction with our veterinary committee advises the Association on the latest disease concerns throughout the world, such as the recent Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome in the States last Spring and the possible threat such outbreaks pose to our own industry. It is very important that we safeguard our disease free status in order to ensure a vibrant export market and it’s an area the ITBA will continue to be vigilant in. Please feel free to contact this office at any time on any matter. Niamh O’ Sullivan (Manager) 045 – 877543 / 087 - 6538485 The ITBA Nutrition road show kindly sponsored by GOWLA HORSE FEEDS in association with ALLTECH IRELAND Ltd This hugely successful road show took place in early February and visited Belfast, Mullingar, The Curragh, Clonmel and Loughrea. The evenings were characterized by excellent presentations from all the guest speakers and a lively questions and answers session at the end of each seminar. Expert regional panels were drawn from the following: Bill Vandergrift, B.Sc. in Horse Production, PhD in Animal Nutrition, from the USA. consultant to Gowla Horse Feeds. Dr. Vandergrift has over 35 years experience raising and training horses. He has held a faculty position at the University of Georgia where he taught courses in animal nutrition, feeds and feeding, vitamin nutrition and horse production. Through his company, Equivision Inc, he works with trainers, breeders and feed manufacturers. Dr. Vandergrift discussed the nutrition of the in foal mare, supplementation at grass and feeding young stock in preparation for the sales ring. Robert Bryan holds a Masters degree in agriculture from U.C.D. and manages his own consultancy business specialising in crop and grassland production. Since 1983 he has been involved in all aspects of pasture management for stud farms in Ireland, England, Germany and France. Mr. Bryan discussed the most appropriate pasture management policy for bloodstock production. John O Beirne, Equine Specialist Advisor, Teagasc, has contributed to previous western region seminars and addressed the topic of alternative forages for horses. The panel of veterinary experts included Peter Gibbons, MRCVS, who outlined the importance of early preparation of your in foal, maiden and barren mare for the breeding season. Jerry O’ Sullivan, MRCVS, reviewed limb problems and their incidence, causes and treatment from foals to yearlings. Warren Schofield, MRCVS, detailed the causes, treatment and prevention of developmental problems in young horses, while Hugh Suffern, MRCVS, discussed the foaling of mares and various complications which may arise. Special thanks to Gowla Horse Feeds and Alltech Ireland for kindly sponsoring the Nutrition road show and to the members of the regional committees and guest speakers who very generously donated their free time to support this event. MEATH/LOUGH/WESTMEATH REGION The Regional Committee are planning a Health & Safety seminar to advise breeders on this very important issue. Insurance requirements for small businesses will also be reviewed.Joe Keappock, Chairman, reports that a very enjoyable night was had by over 200 people who attended the Coolmore Breeders Cup Night at Navan Racecourse on Saturday 26th October 2002. The night, which was kindly sponsored by Coolmore, commenced with the transmission of racing from Arlington Park, when both Tote Ireland and Donal Carthy competed in friendly rivalry to provide betting facilities for the punters. Sponsors Coolmore celebrated the win by High Chaparral and the excellent race, under difficult circumstances, of Rock of Gibraltar. After the wining and dining, it was time to honour breeders from the region, both Flat and National Hunt, introduced with his usual characteristic aplomb by Tattersalls’ Simon Kerins. The awards went to: Classic Winner ISLINGTON bred by Ballymacoll Stud. The award was collected by Billy Reynolds on behalf of his brother, Peter, who was in Arlington. Small Breeder The late MR W.G. McKINLEY M.R.C.V.S. Daphne Edwards, daughter of the late Mr McKinley, who travelled all the way from Monaco for the occasion, collected the award on behalf of the family. National Hunt Breeder Awarded to Mattie Smith and Hilary Mullen, the breeders of QUAZAR.The Stallion Award was presented to Billy Iceton, of Tara Stud for their stallion KEY OF LUCK. Special Recognition Award Presented to NAVAN RACECOURSE and collected by Richard Lyttle. This proved a very popular choice, in recognition of his great support and ever-present help to breeders. The Trophies were supplied by Cu Chulainn Crystal, based in Drogheda and after the ceremonies dancing continued into "the small hours" to the music of "Platinum". Altogether, a very successful night! The Gowla Horse Feeds sponsored Nutrition Seminar will take place at Navan Racecourse on 4th February 2003. There will also be a veterinary presentation on preparing your mare for the breeding season and more details will be sent to members nearer the time. KILDARE/DUBLIN REGION The Dublin/Kildare Regional Committee will meet shortly to finalise plans for a Sales Seminar in late Spring. An expert panel will be assembled to discuss all aspects of sales preparation.The Region staged a very successful seminar entitled "Maximising Your Bloodstock Investment". Sponsored by Allied Irish Bank, the event took place at the Stand House Hotel. The evening featured Goffs’ director and well-known commentator Leo Powell, posing questions to a panel which included Brendan Cotter, AIB Treasury at the I.F.S.C., bloodstock insurance agent Peter Kelly, breeders Peter Molony, Rathmore Stud and Peter Kavanagh, Kildaragh Stud, Simon Kerins of Tattersalls Ireland, and the Curragh Bloodstock Agency’s Eamon Reilly. In excess of 120 people attended and many took part in the very entertaining question and answer session. A veterinary workshop entitled "Selection and Preparation of your Mare for the 2003 Breeding Season" was held in the Stand House Hotel, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Wednesday 13th November 2003 which was very well attended. The main speaker was well-known Curragh vet, John Byrne M.R.C.V.S. He was introduced by Derek Iceton of Tara Stud who gave members the benefit of his own extensive experience. The evening was sponsored by Gowla Horse Feeds. It has been decided to defer the regional Awards Gala until May 2003 to coincide with the Guineas Festival at the Curragh. Details will follow in the new year. NORTHERN REGION Amanda Bently, from Weatherbys Eclipse on line and Des Leadon, MRCVS, Irish Equine Centre will be the guest speakers at the ITBA workshop in the Dunmurry Hotel on Thursday 6th March. Amanda will discuss in detail the service offered by Weatherbys and answer any questions breeders may have on the service. Des will outline the important role and work of the centre within the bloodstock industry and new services for 2003. Regional Update: The Northern Ireland Horse Board has launched a 4 hour, seven day a week foster mare service. This facility is available to all breeders and can be accessed by visiting Their website at nihorseboard.org Tel; (028) 9752 8324 Fax: (028) 9752 8500 Email charlotte@nihorseboard.org Details: Any mare owner who has lost a foal and is willing to let their mare foster an orphan foal may leave their contact details on the NIHB Foster Mare – Orphan Foal web page. Any breeder who has an orphan foal can likewise leave their contact details on the web page. As with the long established Foster mare service offered by the Irish National Stud (045 521251), this service is free of charge and open to all breeders throughout Ireland. The regional Annual Breeding and Racing Awards Ball took place at the Beechlawn House Hotel, Belfast on 13th September 2002. Approximately 180 breeders and friends enjoyed a sensational evening whose main sponsor was Aston Martin. The award winners were: Leading National Hunt Breeder 2001-2002 was won by Noel King for BINDAREE. Leading Flat Breeder 2001 was won by Max Ervine for BELLA CHICA. Leading Overseas Flat Breeder 2001 was won by Paul Hardy for MEISHO DOTO Leading National Hunt Owner Breeder 2001-2002 was F Boyd Leading Point to Point Breeder was W Rosbotham for BELLANEY LADY Leading Trainer Award went to George Stewart Flo Milling Award was awarded to Lorraine Gallagher. The Dennis Stothers Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievement went to Seamus Burns, Lodge Park Stud (formerly of Downpatrick). The Chairman highlighted the outstanding success of breeders in Northern Ireland quoting 71 N.H. horses winning in excess of £1M and on the Flat 53 horses winning an aggregate of £1.36M. Committee members from the southern regions joined their Northern colleagues at the invitation of Chairman, Dean Harron, in conjunction with Down Royal "Festival of Racing", for a very enjoyable days racing on Friday 8th November 2002. WESTERN REGION A meeting will be held shortly to appoint new officers for next two-year term and they are expected to implement an interesting programme of events. Provisional plans are for a stud farm visit in April and a pre-Cheltenham event possibly incorporating the regional awards to honour successful Western breeders. Members enjoyed a very successful inaugural trip to Coolmore Stud in the summer and there are more ideas in the pipeline for stud farm and industry related visits. SOUTH EASTERN REGION The South Eastern Region held their annual Breeding & Racing Table Quiz in the Lord Bagenal, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow. This event, kindly sponsored by the Racing Post and local stud farms, has a devoted, some would even say, fanatical following which includes breeders, owners, trainers and jockeys! Last year, Quiz master Garoid Moynihan kept the attention of the 32 teams present through the 10 rounds and on more than one occasion had to advise the participants of the consequences of ‘phoning a friend’!!. This year the ever popular Garoid Moynihan co-hosted the night with Alastair Downs, The evening, which is now in its third year, incorporated a regional awards ceremony which acknowledged the achievements of local breeders and personalities. Last year presentations were made to Joe Crowley co-breeder of Rock of Gibraltar, Michael Bowe breeder of Limestone Lad and a Lifetime Achievement presentation was made to Padge Berry. This year Michael Hickey of Garryrichard Stud was honoured by the South Eastern region of the ITBA. A successful owner, breeder and stallion master, Michael was presented with a lifetime achievement award. Local trainer, Jim Bolger, was also on hand to receive the leading Flat Breeder award, while Michael and John Bowe received the National Hunt award on behalf of the Bowe family. John Bowe also fared well in the quiz during the evening. A total of 50 teams took part and John helped teammates Jackie Mullins, Ruby Walsh and Caroline Norris into second place. The winners, answering 95 of the 100 questions correctly, were the Ardmore Equine Nutrition team. This quartet comprised of Kieran Gleeson, Brendan O’ Ruairc of TG4, Terry Farrell from Castlemartin Stud and Damien Burns of Lodge Park Stud. The South Eastern region of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association was delighted with the response they had for their National Breeders’ Seminar on 12th July 2002. The venue for the day was Johnstown Castle, Wexford and some 200 breeders attended from all over Ireland. The event, generously sponsored by Quinns of Baltinglass, presented an expert panel of speakers from the United Kingdom and Ireland and was chaired by Mr. John O’ Connor, MRCVS, Chairman of the I.T.B.A. Mr. Strickland, MRCVS, ITBA Veterinary Consultant, spoke on the importance of correct worming. Mr. Strickland highlighted the fact that parasitism is a major disease and accounts for almost 50% of all disease conditions. He advised on the best way to minimise the effects of drug resistance, a growing problem on some farms and evaluate current management practices. Mr. Strickland has represented the ITBA on veterinary matters at both national and international level for many years. Mr. Robert Bryan discussed the most appropriate pasture management policy for bloodstock production and advised on how best to cope with the unusual weather conditions we are enduring this summer. Mr. Bryan holds a Masters degree in agriculture from U.C.D. and manages his own consultancy business specialising in crop and grassland production. Since 1983 he has been involved in all aspects of pasture management for stud farms in Ireland, England, Germany and France. The next speaker, Anne Marie O’Meara reviewed the growing shortage of staff throughout the equine industry. This shortage has been exacerbated in recent years by experienced Irish staff being sought worldwide. Anne Marie has established a very successful equine recruitment agency ‘Equiservices International’ based in Fermoy and has first hand experience of the difficulties facing employers today. Her presentation on modern staffing solutions will give many breeders practical options when it comes to sourcing labour for their own enterprises. Mr. Simon Curtis was the first of the overseas speakers and would be known to many breeders as a result of his book "Farriery - Foal to Racehorse". Simon has been awarded Honorary Associateship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and since 1972 has carried on the 150 year old family tradition in farriery in Newmarket. Simon outlined the causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Angular Limb deformities in foals and advised on practical assessment protocols for young foals. (See extract from his latest book on page 14) Mr. Tony Morris is well known for his in-depth pedigree analysis in the Racing Post and was the final speaker to take the rostrum last Friday. He has been involved with a number of publications over the years and is a very successful author and co-author with books such as Great Moments in Racing, Notable English & Irish Thoroughbreds and A Century of Champions to his credit. Tony brought the days proceedings to a close with an interesting as well as entertaining paper on the ‘Importance of Pedigree’. (See summary on page 15) SOUTHERN REGION The Southern Region of the ITBA held their inaugural Breeding & Racing Table Quiz in the Dunraven Arms, Adare, Co. Limerick at the end of January. Hosted by Jim McGrath, the quiz followed the successful format of the well established Table Quiz organised by the S.E. region. The evening, supported by local stud farms, hosted 24 tables of 4 with a multiple prize fund available on the night. Contestants travelled from near and far but failed to catch the Coolmore Whiz Kids! who maintained their early lead to pass the winning post in first place. The Southern region took the opportunity during the Gowla Nutrition seminar to recognise the achievements of local breeders in 2002 by incorporating a regional awards ceremony. Chaired by Mr. John O’ Connor, MRCVS, Chairman of the ITBA, awards were presented to the following breeders; Small Breeder 2002 – Mrs. Virginia Moeran for Vinnie Roe Leading Flat Breeder 2002 – Mr. Joseph Crowley and Mr. & Mrs. Aidan O’ Brien for Rock of Gibraltar Leading Hurdler 2002 – Mr. Pat McCarthy for Ned Kelly Leading Chaser 2002 – Mr. Eddie Joyce for Moscow Flyer Personality 2002 – Dr. Larry Ryan BASIC GUIDE TO FEEDING MARES The ultimate goal of any breeding program is to produce sound, superior equine athletes. Many factors play a role in the development of an equine champion and it is hard to sort out those factors in order of priority. However, certain basic factors must be followed in order to ensure a chance of success. Stallions receive much of the attention and glory when one of their progeny turns in a performance worthy to be called champion. However, in the overall scheme of things, the broodmare has at least as much and arguably more to do with it than the stallion. Therefore, close attention to the care and management of the broodmare during gestation is of utmost importance to the success of any breeding program. The broodmare’s feeding program must be based on pasture and/or good quality forage. If she can maintain a moderate to slightly fleshy body condition on forage alone there is no need to feed her grain. However, adequate mineral and vitamin intakes are imperative during gestation in order to maximize opportunities for sound, healthy foals. If mares are receiving less than 2.5 – 3 kgs of a typical commercially prepared grain mix, then supplemental minerals and vitamins will need to be provided. Due to the fact that mares are usually in a critical period of gestation when pastures transit between seasons, it is often beneficial to be knowledgeable of how pasture nutrient content changes from month to month, especially in relation to calcium and phosphorus. Excessive calcium intakes should be avoided during gestation, as they are associated with increased incidence of contracted tendons and toe-in conformation. Excessive phosphorus intakes need to be avoided even if the calcium and phosphorus ratio is adequate since they have been associated with increased orthopedic disorders. The use of organic trace minerals in the mares feed during gestation has been proven to increase mineral stores in newborn foals and increases immunity. Havermeyer Foundation Workshop on Equine Bone Infection (Osteomyelitis) One of the greatest challenges in equine practice is the treatment of orthopaedic infection, and less than 50% of infected fractures ultimately heal". - from Havermeyer Workshop Chairman Professor E. M. Santchi’s (University of Wisconsin) Opening Address to the above conference which was co–hosted by the Irish Equine Centre, at Rathsallagh House, from Saturday 10th August to Monday 12th August 2002. The Havermeyer Foundation is a wealthy philanthropic organisation (CEO – Gene Pranzo) which sponsors closed session "think tanks" on important topics in equine veterinary medicine. The meetings are prestigious and it is considered a privilege to be invited to contribute to them, or to host them. They seek to review the current state of knowledge on selected topics and to further research and international collaboration. Twenty five presentations were made to the Workshop by internationally acknowledged experts including such well known figures as Professor Wayne McIlwraith (Colorado State University) and Dr’s Fairfield Bain and Larry Bramlage (Kentucky).The meeting was described by the Havermeyer CEO as one of the best ever held by the Foundation. Special thanks are due to Mary Metcalfe of the Clinical Pathology Unit at the Irish Equine Centre, for all of the additional hard work that she gave to organising and hosting this meeting and the Seminar held on 8th August (see below) and as ever, to Niambh O’Sullivan and all of the hard working staff at the ITBA. Four contributors to the Havermeyer meeting very kindly agreed to an IEC request to lecture to Breeders and Veterinary Surgeons while they were here. Each of the lectures (from Dr’s Alicia Bertone, Sheila Laverty and Jean-Pierre Lavoie was very well received and the final session of the day, presented by Professor Wayne McIlwraith was reported extensively in the Racing Post by Rachel Pagones (see below). "Study findings suggest that corrective surgery may do more harm than good." In a lecture presented as part of a seminar for both Breeders and Veterinary Surgeons jointly hosted by the Irish Equine Centre, the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association and the Veterinary Ireland Group at the Rathsallagh Golf Club in Co. Wicklow in August, Professor. Wayne McIlwraith (pictured left), of Colorado State University (CSU) discussed his research questioning the efficacy of operations to correct mild deviations from the normal leg. Dr. McIlwraith who is Director of the Orthopaedic Research Center at CSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and President –Elect of the AAEP found that dome degree of carpal valgus (knock knees) can be a good thing – an opinion that flies in the face of conventional wisdom. "We found that some degree of carpal valgus protects a horse from knee injuries" said McIlwraith "A perfectly straight leg is not ideal for soundness"The procedures used to correct carpal valgus and another common conformation flaw, fetlock varus (toeing out) are known as transphyseal bridging and periosteal elevation (also known as periosteal stripping). Both procedures are based on the belief that most angular limb deformities are a result of uneven growth of the epiphysis (growth plate). The first technique, which is more invasive and used in more severe cases, involves inserting either screws and wires or staples on the side of the knee and ankle that is growing faster in order to slow growth on that side of the joint and involves peeling back the edges of the perisoteum the connective tissue that surrounds and protects the bone in order to stimulate growth. Wile McIlwraith does not dispute the benefit of surgery in severe cases – in knees defined as more than eight degrees of carpal angle-he said: There is a certain level of screwing with nature that we shouldn’t be doing" The team from CSU conducted a long-term study on thoroughbred racehorses owned by the late French art dealer Daniel Wildstein. In order to determine the effects of certain body measurements on soundness and racing performance, horses were photographed and measured as foals, yearlings, and tow year olds and three year olds. Their racng performance and soundness were also documented. McIlwraith explained, "Most horsemen seek well-conformed horses and evaluation is usually based on subjective judgement. Now there’s nothing wrong with that of course, but we’re trying to put objective data behind subjective decisions" Among the statistically significant findings of the survey were: • A longer toe increases the odds of problems in the carpus (knee); • A longer shoulder decreases the odds of fracture; • A longer pastern predisposes the horse to fractures in the front leg; • Offset knees lead to fetlock problems; • Thoroughbred foals attain 95 percent of their full height by 18 months. One of the more startling findings of the research was that horses who are back in the knee "improve in all cases from a foal to a three year-old" In fact he found so few full-grown thoroughbreds he considered clinically back at the knee that the condition was not considered in the study. The team also found that the correlation coefficient between carpal angle and clinical problems showed that the straighter the leg the more soundness problems the horse had. McIlwraith said "if you are manipulating the angle of that leg and making it straighter then you are contributing to the possibility of unsoundness based on our data. "Manipulating the carpus for cosmetic reasons is not helpful and can contribute to unsoundness," he concluded. FARRIERY AND THE CLUB FOOTED FOAL Introduction A club foot is the term used to describe a hoof capsule deformity which is seen in varying degrees in all breeds of horses. Although in its’ less severe manifestations it may not reduce athletic ability it is undesirable for two reasons. 1, the saleability of a foal or mature horse is reduced; 2, club-footed horses in training suffer from a number of soundness problems including hoof wall lesions and check ligament lameness. Some club feet are not obvious until they are placed under the extra stress of training but they are all the result of an unresolved flexor tendon deformity (FTD). A club foot should not be confused with an upright foot which is contracted at the heels and is usually the result of a not weight-bearing injury, which can occur at any time in a horse’s life. The first thing to recognise about club feet is that they are the secondary effect or symptom of a FTD. The FTD is the primary condition which needs treating immediately. The second thing to understand is the degree of deformity, i.e. club footedness, is directly related to the severity of the original condition and the speed at which it is brought under control. The causes of FTDs are still not clearly understood, however looking at them in simple terms allows us to successfully treat most even if we still seem to be unable to avoid their occurrence. Having accepted the first 2 premises it is obvious that there is no quick fix available. In other words, just asking the farrier to lower the heels without addressing the cause is likely to lead to disappointment. Grading Club Feet Grading club feet is the first step to deciding the action plan. The following are the various grades and my brief treatment plan for each. It is worth remembering that in assessing foal in real life there is often an overlap. Grade I: One foot is just perceptibly at a greater angle than the other with a very slightly broken forward hoof-pastern axis (HPA). The gait is slightly stilted and the heels not fully coming to the ground . Action to take: some heel trimming every 2 weeks and reduced exercise, consider stable confinement. Grade II: The dorsal wall is very upright and may be concave with a broken forward HPA; there may be excessive wear at the toe and fullness at the coronary band pastern. There is probably already some remodelling of the margin of the distal phalanx (PIII) Action to take: immediate box restriction, reduce heels gradually and consider a toe extension. Unless there is rapid improvement, consult your veterinary surgeon to discuss a check ligament desmotomy. Grade III: The dorsal wall is at 90º with a broken forward (HPA) and may be concave; there may be excessive wear at the toe and fullness at the coronary band pastern. The lateral sulci are vaulted but the sole in front of the frog is flat or convex due to internal pressure from PIII and the heels are not on the ground. Action to take: immediate box restriction, reduce heels gradually and consider a toe extension. Veterinary advice should be sought regarding a check ligament desmotomy. If this operation is carried out the heels should be trimmed down the same day. Grade IV: The dorsal wall is vertical or knuckled forward and the leg camped out in front. Remodelling of the bone and ligaments is severe and chronic . It is unlikely that such cases can be even salvaged for breeding. Ballerina Syndrome: The foal walks on the tips of his toes. This condition may have appeared overnight (the syndrome has probably been present for some time but the appearance has been normal). Note that initially the foot shape is good. Action to take: complete box restriction with toe extensions. THE IMPORTANCE OF PEDIGREE he breeding of Thoroughbreds is not an exact science; indeed it is more an art than a science. But some knowledge of the science is useful if one is to learn the art. Where is the science to be found? It is not in the writings of those who relish the opportunity to make a complicated subject incomprehensible by parading abstruse and irrelevant knowledge in the guise of information. One is not likely to appreciate the meaning of a tabulated pedigree, either on paper or via a computer program, by plucking names at random from it and ascribing influence to them. Nor does it make sense to try to construct a superior racehorse with pretty patterns showing duplications in distant generations. Appreciation of pedigree begins with understanding how genetics works in the human race - by the same principles that apply in the thoroughbred. Anyone who knows his or her own pedigree, or who has a family, can easily assimilate the science that governs inheritance in the horse. The idea that the purpose of racing is the improvement of the breed is a myth, as is the assertion that the breed has been rigorously selected for merit. The development of the breed is as much about prevailing economic circumstances as the power of the genes. The essential point to remember in breeding is that it is not about juggling with names and hoping to replicate qualities of long-dead ancestors. It is about the matching of individuals, the union of compatible mates, in which the goal must always be the production of a correctly conformed, sound foal. Book knowledge, which may not amount to true knowledge at all, is no substitute for practical experience and good judgement based on an appreciation of physical qualities in the horse. PARASITISM, HORSES & DRUG RESISTANCE Parasitism is the major disease in the animal kingdom and has been estimated to account for some 50% of all disease conditions. More money is spent on remedies to deal with the problem than on all the other diseases together. Parasitism is manifested in many forms due to the vast number of parasites involved. These may be external eg,. lice and ticks, blood borne such as piroplasmosis or internal – worms, bots, liverfluke etc,. In these latitudes, the last group are the most important, no less so in horses than in other domestic species. In horses the redworms, the large and small strongyles, are the internal parasites most commonly encountered. The large strongyles, of which there are three species, are not as great a problem nowadays as in former years due to their susceptibility to modern anthelmintics. The most dangerous of the three species is Strongylus vulgaris. This is said to have been eradicated in some countries but does still occur in Ireland. Its significance lies in the long migration of the larval forms within the body ending in the arterial branches of the aorta which supply blood to the intestine. They remain there for months, causing damage in the walls of the vessels which weakens them, resulting in the formation of a thin walled swelling or aneurysm. These may reach the size of an orange and can rupture with fatal consequences. Clots or thrombi, forming in the lumen of the arteries, may occlude the blood supply to the gut causing colics or gangerene of sections of the bowel. Thrombi, originating in the aneurysm, can also grow down the large arteries supplying the hind legs and cause lameness which is sometimes shifting in character. The infective larvae of S. vulgaris are most numerous on pasture in the late spring and mid-autumn and these are the danger periods especially for foals. The small strongyles or Cyathostomes, comprise some forty species in the horse and are the main contributors to the worm egg burden found in the droppings. The larval forms within the body do not undertake long migrations but merely penetrate the wall of the large bowel from where, after a relatively short period, they re-enter the lumen of the gut and continue with their development. Recently,veterinary surgeons in the course of abdominal surgery or at autopsies, have observed an apparent increase in the numbers of parasitic larvae in the wall of the large bowel. This is despite the regular anthelmintic treatment of horses on the farms of origin which would be expected to keep parasite burdens to a minimum. It is suggested that this phenomonem may be the result of drug resistence in the parasites on the farm in question. Drug resistance in the worm parasites of horses is widespread in this country. It is present in the Cyathostome worms and is mainly a resistance to the benzimidazole group of anthelmintics. These are the "white drenches" the most often used being fenbendazole ( Panacur ). Resistance to one of the group means resistance, in a large degree, to all the other members of it. While most of the problem affects the benzimadazole drugs, there is evidence, on a number of Irish stud farms, of similar resistence to the pyrantel group of anthelmintics eg., Strongid-P. In a study, carried out in Ireland in the last decade, the problem was investigated on a wide variety of horse properties. These ranged from stud farms, TB and non-TB, to training yards for TB and sport performance horses, livery stables and riding schools. In this study anthelmintic resistance in the benzimidazole group was found on all TB farms investigated, a total of nine. The study showed that resistance is related to the frequency of use of the anthelmintic. Most common on farms where dosing by the calender is practiced, usually monthly, it is least often found where dosing is erratic and irregular, probably for economic reasons. Resistance in a worm parasite is due to the presence of a gene which enables the parasite to nullify or minimise the chemical, lethal effect of the drug. Not all the members of a worm population possess the gene so that those that do not are susceptible to the drug and are eliminated each time the horse is dosed; the resistant parasites are unharmed. Each anthelmintic dose of this drug therefore, results in an increase in the ratio of resistant to susceptible parasites in the animal. As these worms are prolific egg layers and as the problem is genetic in character, it can be seen how a serious problem can develop on a farm in a short time. The regular use of anthelmintics in such situations engenders a sense of security in regard to the worm problem; in fact it is compounding it month by month. In addition the problem is transportable from farm to farm and country to country with the movement of horses carrying the resistant strains. The ineffectiveness of the anthelmintic results in a build up of infective larvae on the pasture throughout the warmer months. Grazing stock can take in massive numbers of larvae, particularly towards the end of the season when grass is scarcer and horses graze closer to the soil. (The majority of infective larvae are on the bottom inch or inch and a half of the grass stems). This autumnal larval build-up may be linked to the damaging disease, larval cyathostomiasis. In this condition huge numbers of larvae become encysted in the wall of the large bowel. In this situation they are unaffected by the standard worm dosing procedures although some of the most modern drugs are claimed to eliminate them. In late winter or early spring they re-enter the lumen of the bowel in massive numbers, causing considerable damage to the mucosal lining in the process. The result is profuse diarrhoea, loss of proteins from the damaged mucosa and a rapid loss of condition. Fatalities can occur in young stock. What can be done to minimise the effects of drug resistance? The first thing is to ascertain if it is present on the farm and if so, which anthelmintics are involved. Your veterinary surgeon can do this using a relatively simple test, the faecal egg count reduction, (FECR), test. In this droppings are taken from all stock or a significant proportion of them, and faecal egg counts carried out on the samples. Animals are then distributed into the required number of groups so that the average egg counts are roughly similar. The groups are then dosed with the anthelmintics under investigation, leaving one group undosed as a control. All animals are resampled 10 days later and faecal egg counts performed once more. Calculations on the results show if resistance is present, the degree and to which drugs. If you have resistance then what do you do? It was said above that the problem was associated with frequency of use of worm doses. The first thing is therefore, to minimise their use consistent with adequate parasite control. The principle is to dose with an effective anthelmintic only when necessary. How do you know when it is necessary? By faecal sampling every 3-4 weeks. The samples should be taken from all animals or at least 30-50% of each category of stock, ie., mares, yearlings, foals. There are two approaches open having done this. The first is to dose a category of stock when 20% of them show egg counts in excess of 200 eggs per gram (epg). The second, which requires that all animals are sampled, is to dose only those horses showing egg counts. Some of the newest anthelmintics have extended periods of efficacy in which egg counts are zero. In this case the interval between faecal sampling may also be extended. Of course all the other elements of parasite control should also be in place. These include removal of droppings from pastures once or twice weekly-the most effective but rarely practicable, mixed grazing with cattle or sheep and grazing young stock ahead of older horses on the cleanest ground. Anthelmintic resistance complicates a worm control programme and may render it ineffective. It is worthwhile to find out where you stand. RHODOCOCCUS EQUI Rhodococcus equi – some thoughts on this foal disease in an Irish context Rhodococcus equi (R. equi) is a disease which represents a significant cost to the international Thoroughbred industry through foal mortality and treatment regimes each year. R. equi is a soil associated bacterium from the same family of bacteria which causes tuberculosis in man. Contrary to popular belief it affects a number of animals and is found in the faeces of many species, including the cuddly koala bear of Australia. Not all forms of R. equi are associated with disease and while total R. equi numbers may be similar on all farms, the incidence of virulent forms of R. equi has ranged from 1.7% to 23.3% of all isolates (Takai et al, 1994) Like many diseases there are many predisposing factors which can lead to R. equi infection such as poor management practices and climate. For example, overstocking of pastures leads to poor grass cover and dusty conditions in dry weather. R. equi can multiply 10,000 fold in the environment in only 2 weeks in high Summer temperatures in Australia. R.equi affects young foals and has caused death in immunosuppressed humans, such as those suffering from AIDS. There is only one recorded case of R. equi causing death in an adult, in a immuno-compromised horse. (Freestone et al, 1987) Source and Symptoms: As the organism is so widespread in the soil, ingestion is a significant source of exposure and probably, paradoxically, of immunization for many foals. The majority of cases of R. equi infection occur between 2 – 4 months of age, and symptoms may include coughing, nasal discharge, increased respiratory rate and a high temperature. Foals may have either acute or chronic suppurative bronchopneumonia. In the 1980’s foals tended to be diagnosed later in the course of the infection, high temperatures were seen and distinctive abnormal lung sounds were heard which were caused by the formation of abscesses in the apical and cardiac lobes of the lungs, particularly in the right lung. It was as a result of these sounds that the phrase ‘Rattler’ foal came into existence, first used in Australia to describe foals affected by the disease. Mortality rates of 80% were reported in many areas while incidence was sporadic on some farms and unknown on many others. Today, due to a better understanding of the disease and increased awareness of the symptoms, high fever is not frequently seen. One may normally only see low fever in the early stages and even then only after exertion. The same applies to increased respiratory rates. The majority of cases present themselves as a slow malaise. The typical scenario is the backward foal with the unusually hairy coat who normally still displays a good appetite. Immunity: We know that the age of disease onset in foals often coincides with waning maternal antibodies. However by 6 months most foals seem to have built up immunity to the pathogen. Immunity is thought likely to depend on both antibody and cell mediated immunity. However the exact basis remains to be determined. Diagnosis & Treatment: Diagnosis normally depends on the foal’s history - age of onset, presenting signs and farm history. Veterinary surgeons will need to carry out a clinical examination, and will normally undertake a series of tests which may include WBC and platelet counting. It is important that whatever treatment regime is agreed upon that the foal owner does not deviate from it. Erythromycin and Rifampin are still the most effective drug combinations to date. Prevention: Good management will not only reduce the incidence of R. equi but will also ensure that where a case occurs, that infection cannot be spread from a sick foal to other foals on the farm. As mentioned earlier, infection may be associated with the time when maternal antibodies are decreasing in the foal’s bloodstream and where management/environmental factors cause an increase in harmful R. equi pathogens in the foal’s environment. Prevention: Reduce stressful situations which compromises foals ability to resist infection. Reduce overcrowding which leads to the build up of pathogens in the environment. Ensure good ventilation, which reduces the presence of pathogens and dust and rotate pastures/avoid overstocking. Plant dusty areas and irrigate them. Remove dung as often as possible. Routine preventative medicine such as good nutrition, worming etc. Low R. equi exposure may help immunity. Know the signs to look for and monitor all foals routinely If a case occurs: Isolate immediately. Infected foals excrete huge quantities of R. equi in their faeces which will contaminate pastures. Adhere strictly to treatment protocol to avoid antibiotic resistance problems developing. Prognosis: In various studies the recovery and long term prognosis in foals with appropriate treatment has been good. For example there was 88% success (survival) in 50 of 57 foals treated in one study and 72% survival in 115 foals in another study. Racing performance as adults does not seem to be affected. Future developments: The Irish Equine Centre has 3 new projects funded by the National Development Plan due to begin in 2002. They are due to start work on an epidemiology project in association with Professor Stuart Reid, University of Glasgow Clinical Pathology Unit, a PCR project which will help with early diagnosis of the disease in the future, and the development of a vaccine to aid in prevention, both from the Microbiology Unit. Acknowledgements: This summary is based on a presentation given to the Meath/Louth/Westmeath region of the ITBA at the seminar sponsored by Tara Stud held in the Tattersalls Sales Complex on the 30th February 2002. The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance of Mary Metcalfe of the Irish Equine Centre with slide preparation. PRACTICAL TIPS ON CARE OF THE PREGNANT MARE Considerations for the pregnant mare will include: 1. Maintain mare on an adequate and balanced feed ration – feeding a ration which meets the requirements of the pregnancy will help your mare to produce a strong healthy foal with good bone. 2. Maintain your mare on an appropriate de-worming program – consider administering ‘ivermectin’ to your mare within 18 hours post foaling 3. Maintain your mare on an adequate vaccination programme for influenza, tetanus and virus abortion. 4. Schedule and have your farrier attend your mare’s feet on a regular basis – as a rule, sound free moving mares make better mothers, thereby rearing healthy well adjusted foals. 5. Ensure that you have the correct covering date for the mare so you can calculate her due date. Mares tend to have the same gestation length year on year so information on her history is helpful 6. Have your mare Isoerythrolysis Category Screened at the Irish Equine Centre – a service offered by Weatherbys Bloodtyping to assist in determining the likelihood of your mare producing haemolytic antibodies in her colostrum. They will categorize your mare into low, moderate or high risk, depending on her blood type and that of the horse she is in foal to. High-risk mares should be blood sampled as close as possible to foaling to detect the presence of significant lytic antibodies. If a mare is producing lytic antibodies, the foal should be prevented from nursing her (muzzled –Wellington boot) and fed banked colostrum and goat’s milk until all of the mare’s colostrum has been stripped and discarded. 7. Routine health care – pregnant mares can be wintered out as long as they have adequate shelter and a dry place to rest. Rug only with a good quality turnout rug, that fits your mare properly – ill-fitting rugs pose a hazard. 8. Get to know your mare – her habits, likes and dislikes – monitor and address any changes in her attitude – it may be an indication that something is amiss. Avoid any unnecessary stress. A healthy, relaxed confident mare is a better foaling proposition. 9. Try to keep an area of fresh unspoiled grazing for turning out your mare and newborn foal – it is not safe to turn your newborn foal out in a poached paddock with other animals until the foal is at least 3 days old – even a small garden area will suffice and provide a safer area for mare and foal to graze and exercise for the first few days. 10. Transport - have some way of getting your mare to a hospital in case of emergency. 11. Colostrum Bank: Access to or preferably your own supply of banked colostrum. 12. Check nurse mare availability. Preparations If you intend foaling your mare at home be prepared to invest time monitoring her night and day as she approaches her time, it may be necessary to enlist the help of family members to take turns watching and waiting – do not leave a mare close to foaling unattended. Depending on your methods of ‘foal watch’ it is essential that she is checked at least every 2 hours. Checking a mare close to foaling last thing at night – regardless of whatever devices you may have attached to her – and expecting everything to be okay courts disaster. Monitor your pregnant mare on a twice daily basis – noting the development of her udder, most especially the appearance of a wax like substance on her teats, the change in her body shape, (the mare appears to be rounding down rather than out) – how the foal is carried and the softening of her pelvic muscles (her hind quarters will soften and the muscles will relax) – you may also notice a lengthening of her vulva . There is only a 5% chance that your mare will experience problems foaling – but if it’s your mare, this statistic ceases to have any relevance. The life of your mare and and/or foal might depend on your knowledge of foaling. When a difficult birth takes place, you only have a narrow time frame in which to work to save one or both. Understanding the normal birthing process, recognizing problems in time, and knowing what to do and what not to do, could make all the difference. Irish Horseracing Industry Course at R.A.C.E. Co. Kildare 11 – 15 November 2002 A very informative and wide-ranging course on the Irish horseracing industry took place at the Racing Academy & Centre of Education on 11th – 15th November 2002 at their headquarters in Kildare. Approximately twenty people participated in the course, with lectures interspersed with practical sessions and visits. Rumour has it that delegates were also treated to very enjoyable sessions in the hostelries around the Kildare area. Speakers came from every facet of the industry and included Niamh O’Sullivan, Manager of the ITBA based in nearby Kill. Niamh spoke on the structure, achievements and future objectives of the ITBA and, in common with all the guests’ speakers, reported great interest among the course participants. As a result of the enthusiastic response, R.A.C.E. manager, Clodagh Kavanagh, has organised a repeat of the course in November 2003. For further information on the R.A.C.E facilities or courses: www.racingacademy.ie Curragh Racecourse Education Day Thursday 31st October 2002 In line with their Equine Education Day, Evan Arkwright, Commercial Manager of the Curragh Racecourse, organised a panel of speakers drawn from all areas of the industry to speak to students interested in pursuing a career in the thoroughbred industry. Secondary schools in Co. Kildare and all equine colleges throughout the country were invited to attend. Among the speakers was Anne O’Connor, Association Secretary of the ITBA. A question and answer session followed and the speakers made themselves available to the students on a one to one basis throughout the afternoon. Feedback has been very positive and should go some way to solving the shortfall in staffing in the industry.
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