Published: May 15, 2008 05:38 pm            

They're back — 05/16/08

Horse breeders know too well what tent caterpillars can do

Warning: The tent caterpillars are back in large numbers in Kentucky. Horse breeders beware.

Horse breeders are well aware of what happened in 2001, the last time the caterpillars built their tents in large numbers throughout the state. Almost 30 percent of the state’s thoroughbred foals were lost because of mare reproductive loss syndrome, which scientists attributed to the large number of tent caterpillars in the area. Other breeds of horses also were impacted.

Scientists said the mares contracted the syndrome by inadvertently digesting the caterpillars, whose hairs would cause tiny punctures in the digestive tract that let in bacteria that would compromise the foals. The 2001 epidemic cost the state’s lucrative horse industry millions of dollars in losses and impacted the number of quality race horses born that year.

Now the tent caterpillars are back, and the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture has warned the state’s breeding stables to be aware of that fact and to take proper precautions. The good news is that to date there have been no reports of foals lost to the syndrome. However, UK officials say the cool spring means the caterpillars are still a few weeks behind in hatching.

One can be assured breeders will take all necessary steps to assure their mares do not include tent caterpillars in their diets. After all, the 2001 epidemic hit them in their most painful spot: The pocketbook.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.