Use of the guinea pig as a laboratory model for EAFL (xtn of PRJ-530 and -2592)

The University of Queensland

  • Project code: PRJ-007204

  • Project stage: Closed

  • Project start date: Tuesday, March 1, 2011

  • Project completion date: Tuesday, April 30, 2013

  • National Priority: HOR-Thoroughbred diseases and parasites

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Summary

A previously unrecognised form of abortion in mares was identified in Australia in 2004 and the condition was characterised and termed Equine Amnionitis and Foetal Loss (EAFL). Research funded by RIRDC (PRJ-000530 and PRJ-002592) has shown that the processionary caterpillar (Ochrogaster lunifer) has a role in the aetiology of this condition.
This project will continue on from this work and aims to develop the guinea pig as a laboratory model to further elucidate the pathophysiology of this disease.

Program

Thoroughbred Horses

Research Organisation

The University of Queensland

Objective Summary

Develop the guinea pig as a laboratory model for equine amnionitis and foetal loss (EAFL) and to then use this model to investigate the mechanism by which the Processionary Caterpillar causes EAFL.