Thoroughbred Breeders Australia is pleased to announce that Phase Two of the Post-Mortem of Late-Term Pregnancy Loss Project will continue for a second season in New South Wales (NSW), Victoria (VIC) and Queensland (QLD), starting 1st April.
In addition to Scone Equine Hospital, Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital and Darling Downs Vets, an additional three clinics have been added. Hunter Equine Centre (NSW), Bendigo Equine Hospital (VIC) and Scenic Rim Veterinary Services (QLD).
This project, funded through the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program, gives breeders the opportunity to receive a free post-mortem on eligible foetuses, providing farms the opportunity to improve mare management and minimise pregnancy loss both in the short and long term.
The results will be included in an anonymous database and over time will be analysed for causes and trends in the attempt to minimise abortions across the industry.
Please note there is a limited number of funded post-mortems available each season.
Each clinic has its own specific procedure for dropping off a foetus but as a general rule you must:
- Contact the clinic first to make sure they haven’t exceeded their quota for funded post-mortems and that your foetus fits the eligibility criteria.
- Sign a consent form – a vet will not start a post-mortem without this.
- Double-bag the foetus using heavy duty garbage bags.
- Keep foetus at a temperature between 4-10 degrees Celsius. To do this, it is recommended that the double-bagged foetus be placed in a large plastic container or bin with ice beneath it and on top.
- Deliver the aborted foetus within 24 hours of discovery.
Breeders will be provided will a full set of results following the post-mortem as soon as possible. The EHV PCR will also be sent as soon as it’s available, usually within 48-72 working hours.
For the purpose of the broader research, all details will remain strictly confidential and the data will have no direct link to any horse, farm or breeder; the only people who will have access to the results are the mare owner, the vet who conducted the post-mortem and the lead researcher.
If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, please contact James Murray at TBA on 0407 137 032 or james@aushorse.net.au.
James will be able to provide you with the detailed information specific to your state, including the relevant consent form, eligibility criteria, and transport and drop-off instructions.
You can also access the Frequently Asked Questions for each state via the links below and the required consent form:
