Source: University of Kentucky
Researchers at the University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment have secured more than $1.8 million in USDA funding to advance equine health research. The five projects focus on major challenges affecting horse health, reproduction, disease prevention, and performance.
Studies include developing new vaccine strategies for equine rotavirus, a leading cause of severe diarrhea in foals; investigating nonantibiotic treatments for Rhodococcus equi pneumonia, a serious bacterial disease in young horses; examining whether joint corticosteroid injections reduce vaccine effectiveness; evaluating how the anti-inflammatory drug phenylbutazone may affect exercise adaptation and chronic inflammation; and identifying a potential biological signal that helps mares maintain early pregnancy.
Researchers believe these projects could improve disease prevention, reduce reliance on antibiotics, enhance reproductive success, and support equine welfare and athletic performance. University leaders noted that the breadth of funded projects reflects the institution’s global leadership in equine research and its strong connection to Kentucky’s horse industry.