newsletter of the rirdc horse program 13/118 NOVEMBER 2013

in this issue: • levy passes • Hendra vaccine update • Insulin dynamics in pregnancy page 2 rirdc equine research news november 2013

industry profile Chris Watson mainly for trainers in Adelaide but also Chris Watson, together with his parents some from interstate; we breed our own Peter and Serena, and wife Sian, and clients’ mares; and we raise and sell operate Mill Park Stud. The commercial the young stock from these matings. Thoroughbred nursery and spelling farm We have now had 14 Group One is located near Meningie, in the upper winners from our stud, which this spring south east of South . have included Happy Trails, winner of Chris is on the board of Thoroughbred the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington, and the Caulfield Cup winner Fawkner. Breeders Australia and Aushorse, and Chris Watson is also a committee member with what made you join the the South Australian Thoroughbred board of tba? Thoroughbred industry is going it alone Breeders Association. I was encouraged to join the Board of the and this means we can direct it in a South Australian Thoroughbred Breeders more focussed fashion. two years ago. I decided it was a way of what’s your background? what do you think about the contributing to an industry that had given levy on breeders, to help pay for My parents originally ran the farm as me a lot. This led me to the Board of research? Thoroughbred Breeders Australia last year. a cattle property, then moved into fine Having an official levy means it’s wool Merinos – the sheep are still part When it comes to decision-making, recognised by the government and we of the farm today. Horses were always a I think there’s a lot of value in my can attract matching funds to make family interest and the hobby developed grassroots experience of working in a a real investment in research for the into a business in the early 1990s. commercial environment. industry that supports us. I expected the After school I spent many years working “yes” vote, and it’s fantastic to see that on studs in the Hunter Valley (NSW), how important is research a huge number of those voting in the Kentucky (USA) and Ireland. After for the horse industry affirmative were individual mare owners, generally, and thoroughbred not just the bigger operations. completing a Bachelor of Business industry specifically? degree at the University of Adelaide I As the industry grows, I hope horse Research is extremely important. returned home to assist in the everyday numbers will grow and available management of Mill Park. Unfortunately, the industry has had little dollars will increase without the levy funding generally compared with other The farm now has several facets which amount rising. commercial industries. have combined to make it a successful what are your priorities, in enterprise, but one that we are constantly While we lost an opportunity for terms of areas of research? looking to improve. We spell racehorses, general horse industry research, the The most important research I think is on issues to do with the wastage that is rirdc horse program advisory committee directly related to racing and breeding – problems like degenerative joint disease Dr John McCaffrey (Chair) Dr Brian Stewart in foals, racetrack breakdowns and Consultant Equine Veterinarian Head of Equine Welfare and respiratory illnesses. Veterinary Services Dr Nigel Perkins (Research Manager) Racing Victoria Ltd. The work that’s been done to date by Director AusVet Animal Health Services Dr Dave Alden the RIRDC Horse Program has provided Senior Research Manager some great results, and hopefully that Ass/Prof Guy Lester Established Rural Industries can continue. Head of the Equine Section RIRDC Department of Veterinary & I would also like to see a focus on Biomedical Sciences Margie Heath employment, education and training – to Murdoch University Program Coordinator increase the supply of good staff – and RIRDC Leslie Young on helping clubs to increase turnover. Managing Director Elizabeth Owens We need to develop the industry as a Doncaster Bloodstock Services Sales and Marketing Manager whole and, while horses are the most Racehorse owner, manager, Symbio Alliance important factor, we need to look more breeder and journalist Animal nutritionist, Australian national dressage rider broadly as well. november 2013 equine research news page 3 R&D Levy Update

Thoroughbred breeders have had their say on a levy for research and The Australian Electoral development, with 67.9 per cent of Commission conducted the votes cast in favour of the move. poll and has declared that 67.9 per cent of voters supported The proposed levy will be a charge of the proposed levy. $10 per mare covered per season and paid by the stallion owner, and a charge There were 8,415 ballot papers of $10 per mare returned per season issued to eligible entities or and paid by the broodmare owner. voters and 2,567 returned, with 10 rejected at preliminary Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) scrutiny as informal and the has now made a submission to the rest admitted to the count. Federal Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, outlining details of the proposed Voting was not compulsory but levy, the level of support from breeders Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and how it could be used. was happy with the number of ballot papers returned. The Department of Agriculture is now undertaking a six week appeal process, Of those votes returned, 1,730 which gives breeders a chance to have voted yes on an enterprise basis. a final say. The result was also calculated on Once this is complete, the department the basis of one vote per brood will make a recommendation to the mare registered and one vote Minister.The levy proposal also needs for mares covered. The result to be approved by the Prime Minister, of this vote was 12,832 for and Treasurer and Minister for Finance and 8,442 against with 17 informal. Deregulation, after which legislation will need to be drafted. the research program on behalf of will be based on the current Horse It is hoped the levy will be in place the industry. RD&E Plan 2011-16, until a new by 1 August 2014, after which it will Thoroughbred RD&E Plan is prepared. be collected by the Australian Stud In addition to the levy, it’s expected It will aim to deliver a positive return Book (ASB). that some organisations will continue on investment to levy payers, including to make voluntary contributions and It is expected the levy will raise economic and market research studies, TBA is seeking an agreement for any $400,000 for Thoroughbred research as well as research and work into Thoroughbred industry funds to be which will be matched by the Federal serious disease threats for the industry. matched by the government. It’s hoped Government, with the first funds the final budget for research will be expected to be paid at the end of approximately $1 million. August 2015. The Rural Industries Further information on the Research and Development Corporation The Thoroughbred Research, Thoroughbred Levy is available on the (RIRDC) will continue to manage Development and Extension Program TBA website: www.tbaus.com rirdc's horse program is australia's national horse research and development program ‒ a partnership between industry and government that delivers significant benefits back to you. current contributors: Australian Racing Board through Racing Information Services Australia, Australian Thoroughbred Breeders Club, Australian Stock Horse Society, Equine Veterinarians Australia, Equestrian Federation of Australia. page 4 rirdc equine research news november 2013

HENDRA VACCINE One Year On

One year on from its release, uptake of the Hendra vaccine has been slower than expected. However, Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) believes all horses should be vaccinated, as it is the best way to prevent the deadly Hendra virus. Many competitions and events, particularly in Queensland where Hendra is most prevalent, are now making vaccination a condition of entry, so uptake is expected to rise.

The Hendra vaccine for horses, It has been welcomed by many as a Government may support its roll out,” EquiVac® HeV, was launched in chance to protect the equine industry and Mr Wilkinson said. November 2012 to interrupt the those working with horses from the virus “However, the roll out has now gathered transmission of the disease from flying that has caused 70 horse fatalities and four great pace, and the 150,000th dose has foxes to horses, preventing the disease human deaths in Australia to date. just been administered. passing from horses to humans. Jeffrey Wilkinson from EVA says the “Since the education campaign was It was developed by Pfizer Animal roll out of the vaccine was slow in extended, more horse owners have Health Australia in partnership with the beginning. vaccinated their horses, noting the CSIRO’s Australian Animal Health “Some horse owners took a “wait health and safety benefits for their Laboratory with assistance from some and see” approach, while others put families and staff.” organisations in the United States. off vaccination hoping the Australian

november 2013 equine research news page 5

FAST FACTS

• The Hendra virus is found only in Australia, and was first identified in 1994

• Prevalence of Hendra virus is low but it is one of the most lethal

• Hendra is transmitted from to horse, horse to horse and horse to people and one dog is also known to have contracted the virus

• It is believed horses contract Hendra virus by ingesting food or water contaminated by fluids The focus has been on Hendra hotspots continuing to work behind the scenes or excretions from an – Queensland and northern New South to better understand the virus and infected flying fox reduce its impact on both horses Wales – but a case this year in Kempsey • People can contract the and humans. was a reminder that the disease is not just virus if they come into contained to those regions. It was the most The Rural Industries Research and contact with the bodily southern detection to date and spurred Development Corporation (RIRDC) fluids of an infected horse others to take the step to vaccinate. manages the Australian Government’s • Signs of Hendra in a Recently some events have made the investment in eight projects funded horse include acute onset vaccine a condition on entry for horse under the National Hendra Virus of illness, increased competitions. Research Program. Researchers from the temperature, depression, University of Western Sydney, James shifting of weight “The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) Cook University, Griffith University and between legs, increased is one, Equestrian NSW is making it the CSIRO are leading the projects. The respiratory rate, nasal a requirement of multi-day events to NSW and Queensland governments discharge, head tilting/ reduce risk and Racing Queensland is manage other research projects under circling, muscle twitching preparing to make it compulsory too,” the Program. and urinary incontinence Mr Wilkinson said. The RIRDC-managed research includes • Horses that show signs “This has been a major impetus for some investigating where flying foxes are, the should be quarantined horse owners to take up the vaccine, risk that they will shed the virus, the and a veterinarian should particularly in the show horse community. conditions under which horses contract be called immediately “Without a greater use of the vaccine the virus, how to detect the virus • May to September is the right across the country, we face an early and how government agencies danger period for Hendra uphill battle trying to reduce the number can better promote information to cases of Hendra cases in any given year. horse owners. • The Hendra vaccine “Events and organisations making the Several projects are already delivering prevents the disease in vaccine compulsory will be vital to interim results, which are being horses controlling or stamping out this virus.” submitted for review and publication in scientific publications. They are • Good biosecurity and hendra research all helping to build a more complete hygiene practices are key to stopping Hendra The Hendra vaccine released last year picture about the virus, its transmission transmission for horses was hailed a breakthrough. and how to stop its spread. However, it hasn’t stopped researchers

page 6 rirdc equine research news november 2013

rirdc horse research INSULIN DYNAMICS DURING EQUINE PREGNANCY

Research continues into the potential causes of skeletal diseases such as osteochodrosis (OC) in growing foals, especially , with a project showing that problems in bone development could be triggered before birth.

Skeletal diseases in growing horses are a major industry problem and have been the subject of much research interest for many years. It is often seen in very young foals, which suggested that problems in bone formation could be occurring before the foal is even born. Evidence is emerging for this from both human and animal studies, but it has not been examined in the horse.

Funded by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Horse Program and led by Professor Wayne Bryden from the University of Queensland and Dr Caroline Foote, Equine developmental orthopaedic by a defect in the normal process Consulting Services, the project diseases of bone formation resulting in the provides new insights into the thickening, cracking and tearing of the possible relationship between Commonly referred to as a group joint cartilage of growing horses. This the nutrition of the mare during as developmental orthopaedic condition is known to be associated pregnancy and skeletal abnormalities diseases (DOD), these conditions with dietary deficiencies and/or nutrient in growing foals. of the bone affect all horse breeds; imbalances, trauma, rapid growth rates however the underlying causes are A current hypothesis is that elevated and genetic influences. poorly understood. post-feeding insulin* levels may can problems in bone predispose growing horses to DOD, which includes osteochodrosis formation be triggered prior abnormal skeletal development. This (OC), costs the Thoroughbred industry to birth? project showed that insulin resistance* many millions of dollars annually, This study explored the hypothesis in the mare during pregnancy disrupts with as many as ten percent of foals that problems in bone formation the uterine environment* and in so unable to be sold as yearlings due occur prior to birth, by investigating doing can lead to long term effects on to skeletal problems. A number of the prevalence of insulin resistance normal bone development and bone factors have been identified as possible in a large population of broodmares turnover* in the foal. contributing causes including genetics, and their foals from Thoroughbred rate of growth, exercise and nutrition; The findings of this study add to the studs in the Hunter Valley region and however few studies have evaluated the understanding of the role diet plays southern region of New South Wales. In contribution of the mare’s diet. during gestation and have implications addition, experiments were conducted for the management of broodmares by OC is of particular concern to the on the Gatton Campus of the University Thoroughbred breeders. Thoroughbred industry. It is caused of Queensland. november 2013 equine research news page 7

Objectives of the study were to:

(1) determine insulin sensitivity* in the mare during gestation and lactation,

(2) investigate the effect of ration and body condition score on insulin sensitivity in the mare during gestation,

(3) determine the influence of maternal insulin sensitivity on the foal from birth to one year of age, and

(4) explore the relationship between insulin status of Thoroughbred yearlings and the occurrence of OC.

The study consisted of a series of five experiments which examined the glucose and insulin relationship in mares fed high or low energy diets during pregnancy and lactation, and the relationship between insulin status and the occurrence of OC in Thoroughbred yearlings. Fact Sheet – Understanding the influence of the maternal diet leg fatigue fractures in Overall, the results from this project indicate that the mare’s diet during Thoroughbred racehorses late gestation influences the insulin sensitivity and glucose dynamics* in the A fact sheet is now available foal during early life. Mares in the study summarising recently published research which were fed a high energy diet had on understanding leg fatigue in race foals with lower insulin concentrations horses, one of the most causes during the first year of life, which of racetrack fatalities. appears to be linked to the development Led by Chris Whitton from the University of OC. of Melbourne, the project examined the Further research is warranted to refine differences in bone microstructure and the relationship between maternal metabolism between horses that suffered diet and the impact on the foal during catastrophic fractures and those that did the critical windows of early growth not. This provides baseline data for the and development. development of clinical screening and The project received additional financial the reduction of fracture risk. support by the Hunter Valley Equine The results suggest that exercise intensity Research Foundation and the University be increased gradually in two year old of Queensland. race horses entering training for the first time, and that training periods do not exceed six months in duration in The report Insulin dynamics during all horses. It was found that further The fact sheet Understanding leg equine pregnancy: Possible relationship investigation is required into the effect fatigue fractures in Thoroughbred to osteochondrosis in foals is available of different training strategies on bone racehorses is available on the RIRDC on the RIRDC website www.rirdc.gov.au modelling and remodelling*, safe website www.rirdc.gov.au for free for download (free) or purchase ($25). durations and intensities of training download or hard copy. RIRDC RIRDC publication number 13/101. periods, and appropriate periods of rest. publication number 13/058. * see glossary page 8 page 8 rirdc equine research news november 2013

current rirdc horse projects Short term and future athletic performance Laminitis treatment by regional drug Development of improved diagnostics of the critically ill equine neonate delivery to the horse’s foot and therapeutics for Hendra virus Researcher: Jane Axon Researcher: Chris Pollitt infections Organisation: Scone Equine Hospital Organisation: University of Queensland Researcher: Glenn Marsh Organisation: CSIRO Finite element analysis modelling of third Determining forces generated using a metacarpal bone invivo stresses padded whip and impacts on the horse Models that predict risk for Hendra virus Researcher: Chris Whitton Researcher: Glenys transmission from flying fox to horses Organisation: University of Melbourne Organisation: Charles Sturt University Researcher: Lee Skerratt Organisation: James Cook University Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Use of the guinea pig as a laboratory model bacterial isolates from horses for EAFL (Extension of PRJ-530 and 2592) Models to predict Hendra virus prevalence Researcher: Tony Mogg Researcher: Judy Cawdell-Smith in flying fox populations Organisation: University of Sydney Organisation: University of Queensland Researcher: Hamish McCallum Organisation: Griffith University An adenoviral vector vaccine against Targeting blood cell activation and clotting Rhodococcus equi dysfunction in equine endotoxaemia Implementing a national flying-fox Research: Mary Barton Researcher: Simon Bailey monitoring program Organisation: University of South Australia Organisation: University of Melbourne Researcher: David Westcott Organisation: CSIRO Developing training programs to prevent Health and Safety in Australian Racing: injury in young racehorses Evaluation of Safety Vests Early detection of Hendra virus infection Researcher: Lisa Kidd Researcher: Caroline Foote by microRNA profiling Organisation: University of Queensland Organisation: Equine Consulting Services Researcher: Cameron Stewart Organisation: CSIRO Efficacy of IV and aerosolised recombinant Macrocyclic lactone resistance in equine TNF-α for treating EIPH Australian horses Thoroughbred horse R&D levy Researcher: Ron Slocombe Researcher: Glen Coleman Researcher: Peter McFarlane Organisation: University of Melbourne Organisation: University of Queensland Organisation: McFarlane Strategic Services

Working towards a more accurate Longitudinal cohort study of horse owners Spikes in Hendra spillover: early warning diagnosis of inflammatory airway disease Researcher: Melanie Taylor through the bat urinary metabalome Researcher: Cristy Secombe Organisation: University Researcher: Michelle Baker Organisation: Murdoch University of Western Sydney Organisation: CSIRO

more information on rirdc horse projects can be found at www.rirdc.gov.au

glossary rirdc equine research news is the official bone modelling – the natural process insulin resistance – refers to a higher newsletter of the rural in which bone adapts to training by requirement for insulin in order to industries research and changes in volume or shape. keep blood glucose stable development corporation bone remodelling – the natural process insulin sensitivity – describes how horse r&d committee. of bone replacement which results in sensitive the body is to the effects of repair of bone damage. insulin. An insulin sensitive animal bone turnover – the natural process of requires less insulin to lower blood Subscription is free and the newsletter bone renewal. glucose levels than an animal with low sensitivity (or higher insulin is sent out electronically. Go to glucose dynamics – the changing levels resistance). www.rirdc.gov.au/subscribe of glucose in the blood. uterine environment – the insulin – a hormone that is important for environment of the foal within the RIRDC Equine Research News metabolism and utilisation of energy from uterus of the mare. PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 the ingested nutrients – especially glucose. Phone: 02 6271 4100 Fax: 02 6271 4199 to buy rirdc books and reports: Email: [email protected] Website: www.rirdc.gov.au Order online at www.rirdc.gov.au or call 1300 634 313. Many books and reports are also available to download free of charge from www.rirdc.gov.au ISSN: 2203-1510 (Online)