A series of abortions occurred in mares in New South Wales during 2004 that involved similar and unusual findings on post mortem examination of aborted fetuses and fetal membranes. The term Equine Amnionitis and Fetal Loss (EAFL) was developed to describe the condition. This form of abortion had not been previously recognised in Australia. The pathology alone is not specific for EAFL and diagnosis requires demonstration of a combination of certain pathological and bacteriological features. The purpose of this paper is to describe patterns considered consistent with EAFL cases as a working case definition for use by veterinarians and veterinary pathologists in identifying future cases of EAFL. More detailed papers are in preparation to fully describe the epidemiological, histopathological, and microbiological aspects of EAFL.

A report on two cases of pregnancy losses in mares which were associated to exposure with caterpillars in Kentucky, USA and the other one in Australia was presented. Highlight of the report focused on the clinical aspects and on the aetiology of two reproductive disorders namely: mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS) and equine amnionitis and fetal loss (EAFL).