J. Madic et al., AN OUTBREAK OF ABORTION IN MARES ASSOCIATED WITH SALMONELLA-ABORTUSEQUI INFECTION, Equine veterinary journal, 29(3), 1997, pp. 230-233
An abortion outbreak occurred in a herd of 38 horses, 26 of which were
pregnant mares. Twenty-one mares aborted between 5-10 months of gesta
tion. In no case were there indications of impending abortion. Pathoan
atomical, histopathological, virological and bacteriological examinati
ons were carried out on 4 aborted fetuses. Histopathology identified G
ram-negative bacteria compatible with salmonella in all 4 placentae. B
y subsequent bacteriological examination Salmonella abortusequi was is
olated as the single causative agent in each case. Nonmotile Salmonell
a abortusequi with antigenic formula 4,12:-:- was isolated from one of
the 4 fetuses. The described episode of equine abortion clearly indic
ates that Salmonella abortusequi has not been eradicated from Europe a
s previously thought.