Historical article — Historiese artikel

A brief history of equine private practice in South Africa

C H B Marlowa

breds gave to each other35. From 1849 ABSTRACT farmers from the Cape exported many breeding in South Africa started in 1652, shortly after the 1st European settlement in to India for use by the Indian cav- the Cape. African horsesickness posed a serious problem and after a devastating outbreak alry and artillery25. South African horses of the disease in 1719, horses were largely replaced by oxen for agricultural and transport were also the mounts in the Charge of the purposes but remained important from a sporting and military point of view. Examples of Light Brigade in the Crimean War in the latter are the export of horses for military use to India in the mid-19th century and for 185440. use in the Crimean War in 1854, reaching a zenith in the Anglo-Boer war in which an When diamonds were discovered in estimated 450 000 horses succumbed. Research and disease control and initially also health 1867, the 1820 British Settlers had estab- services were the responsibility of state veterinary authorities. Private equine practice was lished themselves in the Eastern Cape, pioneered by Jack Boswell in the late 1930s, mainly involving race horses and Thorough- bred studs as part of a general practice. Specialised equine private practices were only particularly in the region of the Great Fish initiated 10 years later and developed further during the 2nd half of the 20th century. These River and its tributaries, where they had developments are described in some detail, including resumés of the veterinarians acted as a buffer between the warring involved, clinical challenges encountered, scientific advances as well as developments in indigenous tribes to the East and the the equine industry with the emphasis on and the racing community. The European communities to the West. No regulatory environment, especially regarding the import and export of horses, and the role rail link existed from Cape Town to of various organisations and associations are also briefly discussed. Kimberley and consequently everything Keywords: equine specialists, history, , private practice, South Africa, – goods, commodities, men, women and Thoroughbreds. children – were routed through Port Elizabeth. From there all transport was Marlow C A brief history of equine private practice in South Africa. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association (2010) 81(4): 190–200 (En.). either ox-drawn, horse-drawn or on horseback to Grahamstown and then via the Old Colesberg Road to Bedford, over the escarpment to the relatively disease- INTRODUCTION especially by the city/urban practitioners, free, high-lying Cradock, Schoombee in Equine private practice, although a occurs and is unavoidable and beneficial. the Middelburg district and Colesberg small but integral part within the wider with many hostelries along the way, concept of equine veterinary medicine, EARLY HISTORY before crossing the Orange (Gariep) River can never be seen in isolation as it is In April 1652 a consignment of horses into the Orange Free State en route to concerned with and dependent upon from Java46 of Arabian-Persian descent40 Kimberley. By this time, outbreaks of equine veterinary activities in general which arrived off the Cape in a Dutch East African horsesickness, which had been a and ongoing worldwide research in Indies Company fleet were, due to bad serious and constant threat since the early particular. Consequently, the history of weather, landed on the island of St Helena 1700s, ensured that horse-breeding, with the horse in South Africa (SA), which has before being reshipped to the Cape soon any certainty or continuity, could only be played such an important role in the thereafter46. In 1653 another 4 horses, carried on in the high-lying uninfected development of the country, must be including a superb stallion, subsequently areas35 and it is therefore not surprising included in our veterinary history. In SA, devoured by lions, arrived at the Cape. By that the majority of the equine private practice falls into 2 over- 1661 15 foals had been born to 22 im- studs in SA were established and situated lapping categories, namely, the city/ur- ported horses46. in the Eastern Cape interior until well into ban/peri-urban practitioners who are For the next 150 years, until 1820, the the 1960s. concerned mainly with those disease blood remained exclusively Arabian- The year 1871 had a severe negative conditions that affect the general health Persian, particularly with the importation impact on horse-breeding in SA, because and well-being of the recreational and of stallions from Persia in 1689, South the era of the tram was ended in London, performance horses detrimentally, and America in 1778, North America and and these horses (blood weeds) came on the rural practices, generally manned by England in 1782 and again from England the market. Overseas dealers flooded the general practitioners, well-versed in animal in 181040. In 1807 stallions of Andalusian country with bad, moody, cull Thorough- husbandry, management and nutrition, blood being exported to South America breds that severely damaged many years who, in close cooperation with their were captured on a Spanish ship and of good breeding. However, many breed- farmer/breeder clients, concentrate on brought to the Cape. These horses were ers resisted the invasion of these ‘im- improving and eventually optimising the the ancestors of the present-day roans ported horses’, and continued to breed reproductive and productive efficiencies famed for their hardiness and endur- good horses, but the damage had been of the different equine breeds, particularly ance35. In 1811 Thoroughbred stallions done35. The export of horses to India and the Thoroughbred with its restricted of the best blood were imported from other countries terminated when the breeding season, as well as the other live- England and until 1870 a great improve- Suez canal was constructed and eastern stock under their care. Obviously over- ment took place in the horse in SA, which countries could obtain horses more lapping, which may be considerable, showed all the desirable qualities that cheaply from southern Europe. Australia, aDr Marlow passed away on the 19th of March 2010. correctly mated Arabians and Thorough- which incidentally imported their 1st

190 0038-2809 Tydskr.S.Afr.vet.Ver. (2010) 81(4): 190–200 horses and merino sheep from SA, moved over 1000 horses in training. One of his ence, before moving on to their chosen into the remaining markets in India and managers was Hendrik du Toit, an excep- fields. elsewhere40. tional stockman who, when well into his During the 1940s a number of articles on In order to stem this deterioration in the 80s and until his death in the 1960s, gladly different aspects of reproduction in the SA horse, many breeders imported offered his vast experience and practical mare appeared in overseas veterinary cold-blooded stallions of the heavy and knowledge in equine husbandry, manage- publications. These included sterility in coach type, particularly the Hackney, ment, nutrition and breeding to anyone the mare associated with irregularities of Cleveland, Bay, Flemish and Allenbury prepared to listen to him. An interesting the oestrous cycle16, clinical and experi- bloodlines. Yet the blood remained, to a incident occurred at Temple Farm, a mental observations on reproduction in large extent, Arabian, and the endurance, famous Thoroughbred breeding estab- the mare17, the efficiency of pregnancy comfortable paces, hardiness, good quality lishment, previously a hostelry, on the diagnostic methods19, sperm survival10,18, of bone, tendon and lung, was much in Old Colesberg Road near Schoombee. oestrous, ovulation15 and pregnancy31 and evidence during the Anglo-Boer War of The owner Sandy van Breda had lost clinical problems of horse breeding9. 1899–190240. some of his best horses and his best Locally the article ‘Equine abortion’ by Considering the fact that over 450 000 stallion from arsenical poisoning, sus- Henning, Keppel and Flight appeared horses, 50 000 and an unknown pected and soon confirmed by Dr van in 194334 and another entitled ‘On the number of donkeys had been ‘expended’ Rensburg to have been administered aetiology of epizootic or infectious equine during the Anglo Boer War (R C Bester, maliciously by the head groom62.Bythe abortion’ by Henning in 194632. In 1949 pers. comm., 2005), there were, with the time he was transferred to Ermelo in 1930 the 2nd edition of the monumental work exception of a few bloodlines35, practically the Cape Midlands farming community, Animal diseases in South Africa byMW no horses to speak of left in the old Repub- particularly the stud cattle, sheep, goat, Henning33 was printed. Also in 1949, C W lics and Cape Province. However, armed riding horse and Thoroughbred breeders, A (Charles) Belonje (BVSc 1936), who was with the breeding experience obtained had come to appreciate, and for many the state veterinarian stationed at the from 1820 onwards, the Government and years remembered, the benefits and value Grootfontein College of Agriculture, many breeders imported a number of the of sound veterinary advice. Middelburg Cape, was the 1st veterinar- best Thoroughbred stallions40, many of The 1st American horse stallion ian in this country to report on reproduc- them to the Eastern Cape. Interestingly, was imported in 1918 followed by another tion in the Thoroughbred mare6. when Volume 1 of the General stud book of in 1922 (of which there are no records) In 1949, ‘The Registered Saddle Horse South Africa was published in 1906, the before S P Fouche imported a number of Breeder Society of South Africa and entries of Thoroughbreds in SA dated these animals in 193446. Other breeders Rhodesia’, established in 1942, became back to the early 1800s (C B Hall, NHRA, soon followed his example and it was not known as the mother society of 4 affiliated pers. comm., 2005). long before it became a very popular societies to accommodate the different breed, particularly amongst the agricul- breeds, namely The , The 1900 TO 1950s – INTRODUCTION tural show-riding horse fraternity. American Saddle Horse, The National OF VETERINARY SCIENCE TO THE In 1932, M W Henning published the 1st Riding Horse (later ), and The definitive textbook on animal diseases in Thoroughbred Polo and Riding Horse In 1910 the Grootfontein College of SA and followed this with a completely Breeders’ Societies of South Africa2. Agriculture, which in later years would revised edition in 194933. Locally, articles G L (George) Faull (BVSc1940) who had play a very important role in equine rural on dourine20,51 appeared in the Journal of the opened a companion animal and equine practice, was established just outside South African Veterinary Medical Association. racing practice in Cape Town soon became Middelburg town on a site with many In 1937, Caslick’s classical investigations the attending veterinarian to many of the military buildings that had served as a concerning the vulva and the vulvo- Thoroughbred studs in the Western camp for British troops during and after vaginal orifice and its relation to genital Cape, particularly in the Bonnievale, the Anglo-Boer War. In 1922,SWJ health12, followed by a study of the sexual Ashton and Robertson districts in the (Schalk) van Rensburg (MRCVS 1921) cycle and its relation to ovulation and Breede River Valley and as far afield as was appointed lecturer in Veterinary breeding records11, both in Thorough- Ralph Koster’s Klawervlei Stud in the Science at the College where he succeeded breds, had a major impact on Thorough- Nuweveld mountains in Beaufort West. PJJFourie (MRCVS 1919) who was trans- bred breeding and are still very pertinent He loved surgery and his speciality in ferred to Onderstepoort. His duties in- today. broodmares was the repair of recto-vaginal cluded assisting E M Jarvis, the state J C (Jack) Boswell (BVSc 1935) can be lacerations and fistulas. His contribution veterinarian stationed at Middelburg at regarded as the father of veterinary to Thoroughbred stud and racing practice the time, until 1927 when Dr Jarvis was private practice in SA. After qualifying, a was enormous and by the 1960s he had transferred to De Aar. Dr van Rensburg Jockey Club sponsorship allowed him to not only become a wonderful mentor to was appointed state veterinarian at Mid- spend a year in England, with Day and many of his younger colleagues but was delburg and in addition to his lecturing Crowhurst at Newmarket, and another in recognised as the doyen of the equine duties, had to take over the supervision of Kentucky with Hagyard, Davidson and practitioners in this country. 8 districts in the Cape Midlands and McGee before opening a general practice In 1948,GFJ(Frik) van Rensburg (BVSc Karoo that contained some of the most in Johannesburg. He soon became a 1948) became the 1st rural equine private outstanding stud breeders of horses, well-known and respected racing veteri- practitioner in SA when he opened a cattle, sheep and goats62. His work in narian and also attended many of the general practice in Colesberg in the Middelburg included visits to Dwarsvlei, Thoroughbred studs in the Transvaal, Eastern Cape, a region renowned for the owned by Henry Nourse, a mining particularly in the Standerton area, the large number of ‘top’ Thoroughbred, magnate. This Thoroughbred stud, at one northern Free State and even as far afield Arabian, American Saddler and Boerperd stage, was said to be the biggest in the as Kimberley in the Northern Cape. Many studs, and also for the other classes of world with its 600 broodmares, and at his a recently qualified veterinarian passed livestock, particularly Merino sheep. death in the early 1940s, he evidently had through his capable hands to gain experi- A. (Sandy) Littlejohn (BVSc 1949) first

0038-2809 Jl S.Afr.vet.Ass. (2010) 81(4): 190–200 191 gained experience with Jack Boswell Cross’ in Cape Town in 1952 and soon clostridial diseases, brucellosis and inter- before starting a general practice in Mooi became involved in the riding and pleasure nal parasitism had assumed alarming River in 1953, and before leaving in 1961 horse fraternity. Later in his career many proportions in small stock, and where to take up an appointment at the Royal of the Thoroughbred studs in the vicinity the ‘bloodworm’, Strongylus vulgaris, the Dick Veterinary School in Edinburgh. His of Cape Town utilised his services and his restricted breeding season and the abys- professional expertise, particularly in the veterinary expertise has also been invalu- mal foaling rate of less than 50 % were of equine and bovine fields, had made him a able to the members of the Endurance particular concern to Thoroughbred legend in his own time. In 1959 he pub- Ride Association of SA since its inception breeders. In fact, as early as the autumn lished a comprehensive article on Sleepy in the mid-70s. of 1957, examination of faeces from indi- Foal Disease in Natal39. On his return to Tremayne Toms (BVSc 1952) gained vidual horses on a regular basis for the South Africa in 1971 he was appointed as experience with Jack Boswell, particularly presence of strongyle eggs became a Professor in the Equine Physiology Re- with Thoroughbreds and polo ponies, routine procedure on a number of Thor- search Chair at the Onderstepoort Veteri- before becoming, on Boswell’s recom- oughbred studs. Furthermore, Bain’s nary Faculty where he did exemplary mendation, the Oppenheimer’s Mauritz- recommendations on Thoroughbred work before his retirement and return to fontein Stud resident veterinarian just breeding based on his experiences in New England in 1985. This Chair was created outside Kimberley in 1957. Zealand3, which had just been published, using funds donated by key persons During the 30 years he spent on the stud were also included in the preventative within the equine industry. Unfortu- he published an article on the care and medicine programmes. Early in 1957 it nately, the Chair was discontinued follow- management of Thoroughbred foals52 also became apparent that Asiatic (Euro- ing Sandy Littlejohn’s retirement due to and, as a valuable member of the Council pean) redwater (Babesia bovis) and equine insufficient funding. of the Thoroughbred Breeders Associa- biliary fever (Babesia equi, recently renamed During the 1950s 2 publications of ines- tion, was instrumental in compiling the Theileria equi), were endemic in the vicinity timable value to equine practitioners ‘Certificate of Breeding Soundness for of the Old Colesberg Road. In April 1959 appeared overseas, namely, on the induc- Barren Mares’ in the late 70s. an imported Thoroughbred mare, which tion of oestrus by intra-uterine instillation After qualifying Jean du Plessis (BVSc had never shown clinical babesiosis, of a sodium chloride solution47 and on 1953) purchased Frik van Rensburg’s slipped a B. equi positive foal, confirmed oestrus and infertility of the Thorough- practice in Colesberg and quickly estab- on blood smear examination. bred mare in New Zealand3, which con- lished himself as an astute practitioner After qualifying, John O’Grady (BVSc firmed the earlier work of Caslick11 in particularly in the Thoroughbred, Ameri- 1958), joined Ashton Tarr’s practice in the USA. Locally articles on the oestrous can Saddler and Boerperd studs. In 1960 Pietermaritzburg where he soon became cycle48, infertility in mares caused by ovar- he sold the practice to R C (Robin) Rous involved in Thoroughbred work in the ian dysfunction63 and purulent pneumo- (BVSc 1960) and moved to Dordrecht for vicinity. After 1961, when Sandy Littlejohn nia in foals caused by Corynebacterium 2 years where he attended the 3 Birch left Mooi River, his stud practice expanded equi29 (renamed Rhodococcus equi) were Bros Thoroughbred studs before return- well into the Natal Midlands and by the published. In 1958, Charles Belonje, state ing to Onderstepoort. His experiences late 1960s he was known to be exceptionally veterinarian at Grootfontein in Middel- with Birch Bros are contained in the very proficient in the early diagnosis of preg- burg, was awarded the DVSc degree for informative article ‘Some observations nancy by rectal palpation. his pioneering work on fertility and infer- and data in Thoroughbred breeding’23 M A J (Maurice) Azzie, who also quali- tility of the Thoroughbred mare under and he also reported on the histopatho- fied in 1958, immediately became in- environmental conditions prevailing in logy of Shigella viscosum equi infection in volved in racing practice in Johannesburg the Karoo Midlands7. newborn foals22. where his uncle was a well-known The veterinarians with a special bent for Within 2 months of qualifying Chris trainer. He was soon involved in stud a career in the equine field who obtained Marlow (BVSc 1956), on the recommenda- practice, particularly in the Standerton their BVSc degrees in the 1950s include tion of Willie du Plessis, purchased a area, and having obtained his pilot’s C H (Chris) van Niekerk,WAJ(Willie, mixed, predominantly stud practice, with licence also did the Birch Bros work in Dup) du Plessis, Tremayne Toms, J L enormous potential from Andries du Dordrecht in the mid to late 1960s. (Jean) du Plessis, C H B (Chris) Marlow, J Plessis (BVSc 1948) in Cradock in the Cape B de B (Brian) Baker (BVSc 1959) spent M (John) O’Grady,MAJ(Maurice) Azzie Midlands. It soon became apparent, his 1st year in practice with Jack Boswell and B de B (Brian) Baker. considering the progressive nature of the before being sent to Fred Day and Bob Chris van Niekerk (BVSc 1950) spent owners and breeders of the numerous Crowhurst in Newmarket for 6 months 7 years in general practice in Swellendam equine, dairy and beef cattle, sheep and and Hagyard, Davidson and McGee in and Riversdale before moving to Aliwal goat studs, their willingness to share their Kentucky for the rest of the year. He spent North in 1957. There he attended a practical knowledge and experiences, the next 2 years with Boswell before considerable number of studs including and the vast distances to be travelled on moving to Hillcrest in 1964 and, in addition Birch Bros (Thoroughbreds) and Fanie untarred roads, that a clinical ‘fire-engine’ to his racing practice, became increasingly Fouche (American Saddlers) before being type of practice was out of the question; involved in all aspects of Thoroughbred appointed to the Department of Physiol- and that preventative medicine pro- breeding, particularly in the Natal Mid- ogy at the University of Stellenbosch in grammes involving husbandry, manage- lands where he was known as ‘The King’ 1963 and then seconded to the Gynaecol- ment, nutrition, reproduction and pro- for the next 20 odd years. ogy Department, Faculty of Veterinary duction to improve the functional effi- At the end of the 1950s the only rural Science, Onderstepoort, in 1964. ciency of all classes of livestock would private practitioners in SA who were Willie (Dup) du Plessis (BVSc 1951), have to be implemented. intimately involved with equines were born and bred in Colesberg and 2nd These programmes, at first elementary, Sandy Littlejohn at Mooi River in Natal, cousin to Frik van Rensburg who had were eagerly accepted by many of the while Jean du Plessis in Colesberg and already established a practice there, breeders whose dairy herds, at the time, Chris Marlow in Cradock attended to all joined C H (Coenie) Basson at the ‘Blue were ravaged by vibriosis, or where the equine breeds throughout the southern

192 0038-2809 Tydskr.S.Afr.vet.Ver. (2010) 81(4): 190–200 Free State, Karoo and Eastern Cape, Onderstepoort Faculty; the establish- follow what later became known as the particularly the Thoroughbred studs ment of numerous rural general private ‘interval dose system21 by treating all which housed more than 70 % of the practices; an explosion of knowledge in horses every 6–8 weeks experienced a South African broodmare population. In equine reproductive physiology and dramatic reduction in clinical cases of the Western Transvaal Louis van Wyk at pathology; advances in infectious and colic caused by the bloodworm Strongylus Lichtenburg was involved in equine work non-infectious disease control, exercise vulgaris, but by 1965 nematode resistance in his rural practice At the time it was chemistry and pathophysiology; a host was reported in the USA. By the late 1960s accepted that a season’s book for a stallion of new drugs and medicines and the dis- unsatisfactory strongyle faecal egg reduc- did not exceed 40–44 broodmares, with covery of new anthelmintics. It was not tion counts, using a modified McMaster the resident stallion covering his own long before a considerable number of technique, also indicated the develop- mares and possibly a few ‘walk-ins’ from practitioners became known as ‘brood- ment of resistance on Thoroughbred neighbouring studs. In addition stallions mare’ or ‘stud vets’ in the most important studs in the Eastern Cape. were generally not allowed to cover breeding regions in SA. Those in the In the opinion of many, the trigger for mares more than twice a day for 6 days a Western Province, which was rapidly the world-wide explosion of knowledge week – a ‘rest day’ being considered es- ousting the Eastern Cape as the principal in equine reproductive physiology and sential. Any long-distance movement was Thoroughbred breeding area, included pathology was the fundamental research by rail. (with the year of BVSc qualification in conducted by C H (Chris) van Niekerk in At that time, medicines and drugs were brackets) Frank Freeman (1963) and 1964 while seconded by the University of few and far between. Antibiotics included Marianne Thomson (1963) in Ceres, Dave Stellenbosch to the Department of penicillin, streptomycin, chloramphenicol Longland (1964) in Wellington, Tommy Gynaecology, headed by Prof. S J (Steve) and the tetracyclines; the general anaes- Foulkes (1964) and Les Vickerman (1969) van Heerden, at the Faculty at Onderste- thetics pentobarbitone (‘Sagatal’) and in Robertson, Jim Antrobus (1973) who poort. This research is recorded in his thiopentone (‘Intraval’); the narcotic joined Dave Longland at the Wellington MMedVet(Gyn) thesis entitled ‘The chloral hydrate, used orally or intrave- Animal Hospital, and Jurie Gilliomee breeding cycle, ovarian changes and tubal nously; the local anaesthetic ‘Planocaine’; (1976) near Ashton. In Natal they in- sojourn of ova in the mare’55. The practical and, the tranquilliser ‘Sparine’ marketed cluded Stef. Cilliers (1960) with his applications of this work, of inestimable by Wyeth Laboratories. A variety of Arabians at Ingogo, Brian Bowles (1978) value to every broodmare veterinarian, ‘colic drenches’ were available and the and Dave Mullins (1978), both at Mooi can also be found in his articles on the anthelmintics included phenothiazine, River; and in the Eastern Cape Robin early clinical diagnosis of pregnancy in piperazine and carbon bisulphide. Rous (1960) who purchased Jean du mares53, early embryonic resorption in One condition that caused serious Plessis’ practice in Colesberg, Hercu van mares54 and on the early diagnosis of concern was retained meconium, found Niekerk (1968) and Casper Troskie (1971) pregnancy, the development of the foetal particularly and not infrequently in colt who both joined Robin before setting up membranes and nidation in the mare56. foals born to younger mares foaling for their own practices at Wonderfontein in Subsequent articles, of which he was the the 1st or 2nd time. Earlier, enemas were the Eastern Transvaal and Aliwal North only or senior author, included the pattern given and a special ‘meconium spoon’ in the northeastern Cape. Ron Bester and of the oestrous cycle of mares57,58, nutri- was used to remove the hard rubbery his future wife, Leza Schoeman, who both tion and ovarian activity of mares early in faecal pellets, often with fatal results. qualified in 1973, spent some time with the breeding season61, anatomical and Laparotomy, using pentobarbitone for Brian Baker and in the USA before mov- histological observations on the repro- anaesthesia and manual compression of ing to the Bester family farm in Luckhoff ductive tract of mares with abnormal the distal small colon to move the pellets in the southwestern Free State in 1978. oestrous cycles59 and the progesterone to the rectum and anus, became the Other veterinarians who had a major concentration in the peripheral plasma of method of choice until a case occurred at impact on rural equine practice included the mare during the oestrous cycle and night on a stud with inadequate lighting. those in academia – Steve van Heerden early pregnancy60. The condition was and ever since has (1942), Chris van Niekerk (1950), Johan Two articles, also of inestimable value, been successfully treated by simply 1st Grosskopf (1951), Peter Howell (1952), which appeared overseas in 1964, de- giving a soapy enema, followed by intro- Philip Boyazoglu (1960), Brough scribed for the 1st time the incidence of ducing 20 m of a 1 % ‘planocaine’ solu- Coubrough (1961), Johan Morgenthal cervical and uterine infection in Thor- tion and 2 m of ‘xylotox jelly’ (a medical (1962), Sybrand van den Berg (1968) and oughbred mares14, and endometrial cytol- preparation containing lignocaine) into Rob Gilbert (1977) before he left for the ogy as a diagnostic aid38. It was their the rectum before plugging the anus with USA; Baltus Erasmus (1960) and Marijke practical application that paved the way a wad of cotton wool. Colicky symptoms Henton (1968) at the Veterinary Research for the present-day sophisticated collec- and straining soon ceased and the foal Institute (VRI), Onderstepoort; Marius tion methods and diagnostic techniques would suckle and appear clinically normal van Tonder (1961) and Gareth Bath (1969) used in the evaluation of endometrial until the effects of the local anaesthetic at the Veterinary Investigation Centre swabs and smears. wore off 2–3 hours later. The treatment (VIC), Middelburg (Cape); and, Kleintjie Other articles of relevance publisned in would then be repeated when and as van der Merwe (1945), Koos Erasmus SA included equine viral rhino-pneumo- often as necessary until all the meconium (1953) and Cliff Dent (1950) at the Direc- nitis26, the 1st report on babesiosis in had been passed. Lignocaine replaced the torate of Veterinary Services of the De- aborted equine foetuses24 and trials with planocaine when it became available. partment of Agriculture. haloxon as an anthelmintic for horses8. In 1961, when the 1st of the benzimi- Articles of interest published overseas 1960s AND 1970s – INTRODUCING dazole group of anthelmintics appeared included the role of infection in infertility VETERINARY CLINICIANS TO THE on the market, the possibility of any in the Thoroughbred mare4, abortion in HORSE INDUSTRY negative environmental impact at some mares41, uterine curettage45, foetal losses The 1960s and 1970s saw a dramatic time in the future was obviously not during pregnancy in the Thoroughbred5, increase in student numbers at the realised. Breeders who were advised to and as early as 1966 the occurrence of

0038-2809 Jl S.Afr.vet.Ass. (2010) 81(4): 190–200 193 Pseudomonas in the reproductive tract of So, from the mid 1960s, stud breeders able farmer/breeders, horsemen in every the mare36. were fortunate, thanks to Chris van sense of the word. During the next Although the 1st serious outbreak of Niekerk, to be the first in the world to few years a number of events took place endometritis caused by Pseudomonas have the services of a number of astute that had a profound effect on the breed- aeruginosa only occurred in this country broodmare veterinarians, particularly ing industry and consequently also on the some 10 years later in the mid to late adept at rectal palpation and evaluation rural equine practitioner. Firstly, a vastly 1970s, the other known venereal patho- of the genital tract of the mare, early preg- improved national and provincial road gen at the time, Klebsiella pneumoniae, had nancy diagnosis, and more importantly, network had made long-distance trans- been implicated in a number of outbreaks the early diagnosis of non-pregnancy. port of horses by road practical, quick and since the early 1960s. In order to cause dis- Frank Freeman and Dave Longland had cost-effective. Secondly, the 1st syndi- ease, these venereal pathogens, which are built their hospitals and Tremayne Toms cated stallion to stand in SA was imported not part of the normal resident flora of the was safely ensconced in Kimberley. in 1972 and by the mid 1970s a consider- equine genital tract, require predisposing In 1967 Marius van Tonder was trans- able number of syndicated stallions, factors such as excessive use of antiseptics ferred to the VIC, Middelburg and Chris mostly imported, did stud duties in the on the penis of the stallion and perineal Marlow performed, as far as can be ascer- Western Province, Karoo, Northern and region of the mare, and the abuse of tained, the 1st caesarean section on a Eastern Cape and Natal. Many of these intra-uterine antibiotic medication, prac- Thoroughbred mare in SA. In addition, stallions had their ‘books’ increased from tices unfortunately introduced from over- Chris Marlow, with the active assistance 40 to 60–70 mares per breeding season. seas where they were very much in vogue of his Thoroughbred clients, had been Thirdly, numerous breeders who entered at the time. asked to develop practical, comprehensive the breeding industry in these years knew Strangles, probably introduced into SA and cost effective preventative medicine, little about horses, only owned a few during the Anglo-Boer War3, was the only reproduction and production programmes mares, boarded them on established other contagious bacterial disease seen in because of the bad roads, vast distances studs and frequently nominated them to the late 1960s, particularly in the Karoo, and relative inaccessibility of the majority commercially popular stallions. This and as an infrequent sequel the odd case of stud farms in the Eastern Cape and resulted in large numbers of mares, some of purpura haemorrhagica, an alarming Karoo. These programmes, initially basic, with their foals at foot, leaving their condition associated with high mortality, which were upgraded and refined as new resident studs for the total duration or readily confused with African horsesick- discoveries and developments were part of each breeding season and more ness by most breeders and even some made, eventually became tailor-made often than not sent to studs where com- veterinarians. for each particular stud and contained pletely different climatic, nutritional and In 1964 a number of equine orientated detailed relevant epidemiological records managemental conditions prevailed. veterinarians – Brian Baker,John O’Grady, of the environmental, managemental and Consequently, the influx of numerous Philip Boyazoglu, Maurice Azzie, Robin nutritional extrinsic factors as well as the strange mares on to a stud, the increase in Rous and Frank Freeman, to mention a intrinsic or animal factors that affect the the number of mares in a stallion’s book, few, and with H P Steyn in the chair, met functional efficiency of the animals on a adverse climatic conditions, amendments at the Witwatersrand Agricultural Society stud. The weanlings, yearlings and and adjustments to management and Showgrounds at Milner Park to form the stallions were evaluated as groups and nutrition coupled with the responsibility Equine Practitioners Group (EPG) of the only as individuals when necessary. The of getting as many mares in foal and as SAVA, a forum to share ideas and discuss broodmares, however, were evaluated early as possible in the breeding season, matters of common interest and concern. individually and each mare had her own and impatient demanding owners all During 2005 the name of the EPG was file where all relevant physical informa- contributed to put tremendous pressure changed to SAEVA (South African Equine tion could be recorded. In addition to the on studmasters, and obviously also on Veterinary Association). The EPG rapidly physical and clinical details, teasing their veterinarians, and so the seeds for went from strength to strength and to its charts, with a block for each day of the the beginning of the end of their recipro- credit has always invited overseas veteri- breeding season from 1 September to 31 cal trust and loyalty were sown. narians, experts in their respective fields, December in a single line, were printed Fortuitously, reproduction was the to be the main speakers at the well- on gummed paper strips and positioned theme of the 1973 EPG Congress held at attended annual congresses. appropriately to record details of the Robertson where the main speakers R C In 1964 the 1st endurance ride, a leisurely pattern of her oestrous cycles, covering (Bob) Crowhurst andWR(Twinks) Allen affair, took place from De Aar to Rich- dates and the results of all gynaecological from the UK enlightened the delegates on mond. Disaster struck the following year. examinations, diagnoses and procedures. the enormous strides that had taken place A number of horses that showed severe Body scores were also recorded. These in equine reproductive physiology, endo- methaemoglobinaemia died before details were updated at least once a week crinology and pathology. The informa- methylene blue could be flown in from during the breeding season, usually after tion obtained from this congress proved Bloemfontein to Marius van Tonder, state the weekly visit, and the mares to be seen invaluable to all rural equine practitioners veterinarian at De Aar. Although an the following week were listed. In subse- and also prepared the SA delegates for the official diagnosis of azoturia was made at quent years the teasing charts and breed- 1st international symposium on equine the time, later enquiries revealed that, in ing records were placed and completed reproduction in Cambridge in 197449. This fact, potassium nitrate fertiliser may have immediately below those of the previous symposium and those that have followed been added to the water in 1 of the drink- year, which enabled a broodmare’s entire once every 4 years have in effect collated ing troughs. However, endurance riding breeding history to be scrutinised within all the equine reproductive research data was stopped for a number of years and it a few minutes. that have been recorded since the early was only in the mid-1970s that the Endur- Until the early 1970s, the Thoroughbred 1960s. SA speakers at this symposium ance Ride Association of South Africa breeding industry had been almost were C H (Chris) van Niekerk, who was (ERASA), with its veterinary rules and entirely in the hands of independent, also a member of the scientific organising regulations, was established. competent, experienced and knowledge- committee, A (Sandy) Littlejohn and M A

194 0038-2809 Tydskr.S.Afr.vet.Ver. (2010) 81(4): 190–200 J (Maurice) Azzie. P C (Peter) Belonje, D G served or still serve on the panel include and the TBA Council, approached Marius (George) Faull, R C (Robin) Rous and C H Stef Cilliers, Hercu van Niekerk and Chris van Tonder at the VIC Middelburg to B (Chris) Marlow also attended the sym- Marlow. Robin Rous, who in later years obtain the necessary culture media and posium. Of particular interest to Chris also competed on a successful home-bred examine every swab he collected from his Marlow were 2 presentations namely, the Thoroughbred gelding, has since passed clients’ mares and also from visiting prognostic value of endometrial biopsy37, away. In 1979, the 2nd ‘100 miler’ in the barren mares, to establish whether or not and the treatment of endometritis by world (the 1st being the Tevis Cup in the infection was present in SA. regular douching of the uterus with America) was held under the supervision Thoroughbred breeders in the Western warm and cold solutions of sodium chlo- of Chris Marlow, in the Hofmeyr, Tarka- Province also had to contend with a ride from 1–10 %64, a simple, cheap and stad, Molteno and Steynsburg districts, serious outbreak of strangles during the effective procedure that has since been on a bitterly cold day on which the tem- 1979 breeding season which was spread used extensively in this country. Chris perature, out of the wind, did not exceed to the Karoo and Eastern Cape by mares Marlow also purchased a basket-jawed 6 °C. In addition, the route passed over and their foals returning to their home biopsy forceps for the collection of suit- the peak of Aasvoëlberg, 2200 m above sea studs. Actinobacillus equuli was isolated able endometrial specimens. Specimens level. Very strict veterinary criteria, intro- from some of the abscesses and many of collected by Marlow were processed duced by Chris Marlow, apply at this ride the deaths were the result of either ‘bastard’ using 3 different staining methods at the which is held every year in August and strangles or purpura haemorrhagica, well-equipped VIC, Middelburg, headed which is now recognised by the ERASA as usually an infrequent sequel to the disease. by E M (Marius) van Tonder, who by this the official ‘100-miler’ in SA. By 1976 the equine encephalosis and time had insisted on taking responsibility At the time it was generally accepted serologically related orbiviruses, which for all his diagnostic work. By the end of that the rural equine practitioner was were suspected of being at least partly 1976, a large collection of histopatho- employed to do the ‘vet work’ on a stud, responsible for the high abortion rate in logical specimens, numbering in the the precise definition of ‘vet work’ being Thoroughbreds, had been isolated and hundreds, collected from a broad cross- the prerogative of the studmaster which characterised27 and a number of horses section of his clients’ broodmares, had obviously varied considerably from stud highly positive serologically to the West been evaluated, taking such mare’s de- to stud. With the influx of syndicated Nile virus had been identified in the tailed breeding histories and records into stallions and consequently the ever- Eastern Cape. Also of considerable inter- consideration. In 1977, after discussions increasing movement of broodmares est was the publication of the 4th revised with Profs. Coubrough and Gerneke at away from their home studs during the edition of the Nutrient requirements of the Onderstepoort Faculty, Berlin Blue or breeding season, dissatisfaction and criti- horses in 19781 as suspicions of develop- Perl’s staining methods were included cisms about ‘unnecessary’, ‘expensive’, mental orthopaedic disease had been routinely in order to determine the ‘new-fangled’ veterinary procedures and raised. amount and distribution of haemosiderin tests began to be heard. Chris Marlow, In 1978 a few dissatisfied breeders in the in the macrophages and in the cytoplasm through his close association with E M Western Province obtained the services of the glandular epithelial cells; and con- (Bob) Birch of Vogelvlei Stud, Dordrecht of an overseas graduate. Antiseptics and sequently, to estimate the time between and TBA Chairman from the early 1970s antibiotics were evidently grossly misused biopsy sampling and either parturition, until 1987, discussed the matter at length and by mid-November a severe outbreak abortion or more importantly, to establish and eventually the EPG Executive Com- of endometritis caused by Pseudomonas whether unobserved foetal loss later mittee decided to appoint a 4-member aeruginosa had occurred in home-owned than 40 days of pregnancy, had or had not Stud Health Sub-committee to address all and visiting mares that had been covered occurred. matters pertaining to stud health. by a syndicated stallion. Further treat- During the mid 1970s, the myometrial During the 1977 breeding season a few ment with antibiotics only aggravated the relaxant, clenbuterol, which proved a ‘stud vets’ were issued with a limited condition and eventually the owners had boon to veterinarians faced with a diffi- supply of a prostaglandin F2α analogue no option but to cull 19 valuable mares cult foaling or dystocia and which saved for clinical evaluation. Its general release a due to a deep-seated chronic purulent many a foal’s life, came on to the market. year later, in addition to supplementary low Category III endometritis37. At the same time complaints of individual lighting, heralded the somewhat contro- Towards the end of 1978, lifting the ban cases of soft faeces and bouts of diarrhoea versial era of the artificial manipulation of on the importation of stallions had be- in adult horses were being received. the mare’s oestrous cycle and, it was come a TBA priority particularly because Repeated dosing with an anthelmintic hoped, a dramatic increase in the annual Marius van Tonder at the VIC Middelburg containing tetrahydropyrimidine con- foaling rate. However, the dissatisfaction had not found any evidence of CEM in trolled the condition suspected of being continued because in spite of increased more than 200 endometrial swabs collected caused by Cyathostoma spp. infestation13. veterinary costs, the overall increase in the by Chris Marlow from a broad cross- The ERASA, referred to previously, was live foal rate was a mere 2 %. section of the SA broodmare population, also established and affiliated clubs were In May 1977 clinical signs of an unusual and it also appeared that the disease was formed throughout the country. In the form of endometritis were seen in Thor- under control in other parts of the world. early days veterinary supervision at some oughbred mares in England and after After lengthy discussions between Bob of the local rides left much to be desired using different culture media, the slow Birch, TBA Chairman, George Morrison, but a panel of experienced veterinarians, growing causal organism of Contagious General Manager of the Jockey Club and led for some years by Johan Grosskopf, Equine Metritis (CEM) (Taylorella equi- Chris Marlow, a delegation that also in- formulated and enforced rules that have genitales) was identified. Positive cases cluded Tremayne Toms, a TBA Council ensured strict veterinary supervision at were also found in Australia, France and member,and Frank Freeman, breeder and all endurance rides, particularly at the the USA and a total ban on the importa- EPG Executive Committee member, met J National Championships, which are held tion of all equids into SA was imposed by P (Kleintjie) van der Merwe and J M over 3 days and 210 km at Fauresmith in the Directorate Veterinary Services. Chris (Koos) Erasmus, the Director and Deputy July every year. Rural practitioners who Marlow, with the support of Bob Birch Director of Veterinary Services, and G C

0038-2809 Jl S.Afr.vet.Ass. (2010) 81(4): 190–200 195 (Cliff) Dent, in charge of Imports and Wellington, Fonnie Bruwer (BVSc 1981) pastures, particularly in mares with foals Exports, in Pretoria in 1979. After assur- in Robertson, Dirk Triegaardt (BVSc 1983) at foot44 and also received a MSc (Agric) ances were given that as far as Marius van in Ceres, Ashley Parker (BVSc 1983) in degree at the University of Stellenbosch Tonder and Chris Marlow were aware, Port Elizabeth, Martin Denkhaus (BVSc for his research on the oestrous cycle, CEM was not present in SA and that the 1983) in Somerset West, Allen Bechard mating practices, conception rates and Jockey Club would police and enforce the (BVSc 1985) in Mooi River, Henk Basson foetal losses in Thoroughbreds in the traceability of every imported Thorough- (BVSc 1984) in Bethlehem and Francois Eastern Cape Province42. bred on a regular basis, permission was Marais (BVSc 1985) in Colesberg until In December 1986 horses just released granted to import Thoroughbred stallions Gavin (BVSc 1992) and Charmaine (BVSc from post-arrival quarantine were re- subject to very strict conditions which 1988) Rous inherited Robin Rous’ prac- sponsible for the 1st outbreak of equine included pre-importation certification tice. Rural equine practitioners also be- influenza in SA that spread from the and post-arrival quarantine at both an came involved in their day to day Johannesburg/Pretoria area to the Karoo, official quarantine station and the stud of activities with Adéle Faul (BVSc 1963) at Port Elizabeth and Cape Town within a destination. In effect this meant that the the Directorate of Veterinary Services af- few days. The infection was prevented stud farm as a whole was placed under ter Cliff Dent’s retirement, Lucia Lange from entering Natal by the intervention quarantine and consequently all move- (BVSc 1973) specialist pathologist in Cape of members of the Stud Health Commit- ment of mares to their nominated stallions Town, Alan Guthrie (BVSc 1984) and tee, namely Angelo Nichas, who informed had to be completed before the start of the Cindy Harper (BVSc 1993) at the Equine their Chairman, Chris Marlow, of a breeding season on 10 September. Horses Research Centre, Martin Schulman (BVSc consignment of horses on its way to were only allowed to leave the farm once 1985) at the Section of Reproduction at Natal, and Dave Mullins, who effectively 3 sets of endometrial, cervical and clitoral Faculty, Koos van den Berg (BVSc 1984), ‘shut down’ the entire province within a swabs taken from 20 mares were certified equine consultant based in Hermanus few hours. Decisions taken by the Direc- negative for CEM at the VICs at Stellen- and Angelo Nichas (BVSc 1981), equine torate of Veterinary Services, the TBA bosch, Middelburg or Allerton or the VRI practitioner in Johannesburg. Council, Stud Health Committee, Jockey at Onderstepoort. In the meantime In May 1981, a 16-year-old barren mare Club and other interested bodies within Tremayne Toms had drawn up the ‘Cer- in very poor condition, with a vaginal the next few days included suspension of tificate of Breeding Soundness for Barren discharge and ‘wonky in the hindquar- all racing (except in Natal), the imposition Mares’ which was printed in quadru- ters’, which had been purchased a few of strict quarantine and movement con- plicate by the Jockey Club and incorpo- weeks previously at a total dispersal sale trols, and the implementation of a vacci- rated in their Rules in the Stud Health of a Thoroughbred stud, was suspected of nation programme (included for Scheme that came into operation just being and then confirmed positive for Thoroughbreds in the Rules of the Jockey before the 1980 breeding season. dourine. After considerable coercion, the Club). The outbreak, which had rapidly whereabouts of all the mares was estab- assumed epidemic proportions, and THE 1980s – INTRODUCING lished and an in-contact stud identified. A which caused some mortality in young VETERINARY REGULATIONS considerable number of these mares, foals and older horses, stabilised and TO THE HORSE INDUSTRY which by this time were at studs through- tailed off soon after the vaccination During the next few years additional out SA, and the in-contact stud’s stallion, programme was implemented and the regulations were drafted which allowed were found to be positive and conse- last clinical cases were seen in September for the importation of colts and fillies for quently, a test for dourine was included in 198730. The vaccination programme for racing purposes and soon thereafter for the Certificate of Breeding Soundness for Thoroughbreds, however, remained in barren mares. By the mid 1980s the number Barren Mares and the annual testing of force until 2001. of mares in quarantine that had to be Thoroughbred stallions became manda- The 1st major outbreak of equid herpes- swabbed was reduced from 20 to 10 and in tory. Incidentally, previous deaths on the virus-1 (EHV-1) neurological disease, 1989 the quarantine requirements were stud in mares showing similar symptoms neonatal mortality, abortion and respira- relaxed to an ‘animal’ and not a ‘property’ had been diagnosed as chronic seneciosis tory disease to occur on a Thoroughbred quarantine. The ban on the importation of (‘dunsiekte’). Also in 1981, the 1st of the stud in SA, was diagnosed by Koos van other breeds and of pregnant mares had macrocyclic lactone anthelmintics, iver- den Berg after cases were brought to his also been lifted but the pregnant mares mectin, was released amidst great fanfare attention by Ron Bester in the middle of were required to enter a pregnant mare by Merck, Sharpe and Dohme in Bloem- the 1989 breeding season. Subsequently, quarantine facility where the necessary fontein, the guest speaker being none outbreaks of abortion, varying from a tests were conducted immediately after other than Neil Armstrong, the 1st person single case to storms of more then 40 foaling. Currently, with the exception of to put a foot on the moon. abortions have occurred throughout SA. pregnant mares imported from non-certi- In the early 1980s the advent of the Neurological disease is an infrequent fied CEM-free countries, all necessary ultrasound scanners was met with high complication. Control, difficult to achieve tests are conducted in the Official State expectations and enthusiasm. Initially, due to re-activation of latent virus and Quarantine Station in Johannesburg or however, many mistakes were made, particularly so on the smaller properties, Cape Town immediately after arrival. which led to considerable suspicion has centred upon management practices On the positive side, this country has and even rejection by some breeders, that ensure the isolation of pregnant remained free of CEM, the live foal rate principally due to a transducer frequency mares in small groups according to the increased considerably in the Thorough- of 3.5 MHz and inexperience. Faith was duration of pregnancy from soon after bred and veterinary participation and re-established with the 5 MHz frequency the breeding season until foaling. regulation of equine breeding in general models and they soon became an integral Over the years Chris Marlow’s close also improved vastly. part of the rural equine practitioner’s relationship with E M (Bob) Birch, who Rural equine practitioners who have instrumentation. was TBA Chairman from the early 1970s qualified since the early 1980s include In 1983, Chris Marlow demonstrated until 1987, quite naturally led to innumer- Deon van Tonder (BVSc 1986) in the nutritional inadequacy of lush green able discussions on matters of common

196 0038-2809 Tydskr.S.Afr.vet.Ver. (2010) 81(4): 190–200 concern and frequent consultations with anaesthesia, Ron Bester and Robin Rous from zero grazing to intensive grazing on other interested parties. This soon devel- for the surgery, and Leza Bester and Chris lush grass pastures were evaluated until oped into an informal unofficial consul- Marlow for the resuscitation of the foal, 15–18 months of age for clinical signs of tancy for the mutual benefit of equine which turned out to be the most hazardous DOD. Approximately 2000 feed samples practitioners and the TBA. In 1989, how- part of the whole operation. Recovery were analysed chemically. Results indi- ever, Ron Bester, Frank Freeman and was uneventful and so rapid that the cated that although the eventual outcome Sybrand van den Berg recommended mare was covered on 18 December and on of conformational limb deformities at that the TBA Council, chaired by Wilfred 26 November 1991, 343 days later, the birth could be influenced by dietary Koster at the time, appoint Chris Marlow operation was repeated by the same team. excesses, deficiencies and/or imbalances, officially as their veterinary consultant as Both horses won while in training and most of the perceived clinical cases of he would be able to deal with relevant from 1994 onwards the mare was able to DOD, particularly in the absence of pain, veterinary issues promptly and more foal without assistance. were normal growth patterns. efficiently on an ongoing basis and also Two very important appointments were Other benefits during the 1990s included because he had no vested interests in the made in 1990. Alan Guthrie returned from Chris Marlow and Ron Bester’s chapter Thoroughbred industry. The appoint- the USA and became Director of the on infectious causes of equine reproduc- ment, which provided for the much Equine Research Centre and Laurence Al- tive failure in the textbook Infectious needed liaison, interaction and coopera- len succeeded Lowell Price, both Chris diseases of livestock with special reference to tion between the TBA, Jockey Club, State Marlow’s clients, as Chairman of the TBA. southern Africa43. Field and Research Departments, Faculty A major crisis developed towards the A comprehensive investigation into of Veterinary Science, Equine Research end of 1990. The relationship between a the causes of the high abortion rate in Centre, SAVA, EPG and even overseas number of urban and rural ‘stud vets’ and Thoroughbreds was initially coordinated organisations, was approved with the their clients, which included some who by Koos Coetzer (1973) and later by Peter proviso that he resigned as Chairman of were not breeders in the strict sense of the Howell, both of the Department of Infec- the Stud Health Committee, which he word, had deteriorated to such an extent tious Diseases at the Onderstepoort had held since its inception, and also that that allegations of exorbitant fees and Faculty, in collaboration with the TBA and he would not accept the chairmanship of even ‘rip-offs’ were made. This led to the EPG. Surprisingly, this study found that the EPG at any time in the future. TBA Council unofficially questioning the transplacental piroplasmosis infection desirability or necessity of the continued was the most frequent cause of abortion THE 1990s – IMPROVING existence of the Stud Health Committee in the relatively low percentage of foetuses VETERINARY DIAGNOSTICS and whether, should it continue to func- from which a diagnosis could be made. AND CONTROL IN THE tion, it would do so solely within the In February 1995, Laurence Allen in- HORSE INDUSTRY ambit of the EPG. The crisis was eventu- structed Chris Marlow to report on any Immediate benefits included information ally defused after explaining to those con- progress made in the export of horses to to breeders and veterinarians on the com- cerned that in practice, the studmaster is Europe and in March the matter was plexity and control of equid herpesvirus-1 placed under tremendous pressure to get discussed at length with Adéle Faul at the (EHV-1) infection on Thoroughbred as many mares pregnant (note ‘pregnant’) Directorate and the CVO of the Australian studs; meeting with the Chief Veterinary as possible and as soon as possible after Inspection Services who happened to be Officers of England, Ireland and France the beginning of the breeding season. in SA at the time. In July, Alan Guthrie and Baltus Erasmus from the VRI regard- Most of this pressure is immediately organised a 2-day workshop which re- ing the possibility of resuming the export transferred to the ‘stud vet’ who is forced sulted in the election of an import/export of horses to Europe; initial preparations to resort to costly artificial procedures, committee and a technical committee. for the 1st biennial course in stud manage- often at the demand of the breeder or The mammoth task of preparing protocols ment to be held in the Western Province in owner via the studmaster, on mares acceptable to the European Union and 1990 organised by the EPG in co-operation probably not known to him and also amending SA legislation fell almost with the TBA and the Department of where optimal husbandry, management entirely on Alan Guthrie’s shoulders and Theriogenology at the Onderstepoort and nutrition has been lacking, in an exports to Europe were resumed in 1997. Faculty; and in March 1990, a telephone attempt to optimise production (colloqui- Vaccination schedules, movement controls call from Francois Triegaardt in Cape ally referred to as ‘deliver the goods’). The and certification added considerably to Town that led within 10 days to the isola- usual outcomes would be poor results, rural equine practitioners’ responsibilities tion of serotype 1 (Bryanston) of the high veterinary costs, a dissatisfied stud- and workload. Two-year bans on exports, equine encephalosis virus by Peter master, dissatisfied and critical owners, a except to the USA, were re-imposed in Howell at the Department of Infectious frustrated veterinarian, allegations of a 1999 and again in 2004 after illegal intro- Diseases of the Faculty. The outbreak rip-off and probably a change of veteri- duction of African horsesickness-infected assumed considerable proportions in narian who would do no better the fol- horses into the Western Province, which the Western Province and a number of lowing season. was recognised as a zone free from that deaths due to African horsesickness also Soon after the highly successful Course disease. occurred. in Stud Management in August 1990, Strangles, which had not been diag- As far as can be ascertained, the 1st elec- where suspicions of ‘soft bone’ in SA nosed since early 1980, was reintroduced tive caesarean section on a Thoroughbred bred horses were mooted, Chris Marlow into SA in 1998 by a consignment of mare in SA was performed on 29 August prepared a protocol for a survey on the horses from Australia and New Zealand. 1990 at 340 days gestation on a mare incidence of developmental orthopaedic The outbreak, which was spread to stud belonging to Birch Bros. of Dordrecht that disease (DOD) and its possible relation- farms by fillies out of training, caused had suffered a massive intrapelvic haem- ship with nutrition in SA. Approximately considerable concern and a number of orrhage while foaling 3 years previously, 1200 foals born in 1991 and 1992 on deaths due to ‘bastard strangles’ and by a team of 5 rural equine practitioners. 20 Thoroughbred studs run under a wide purpura haemorrhagica were reported. Francois Marais was responsible for the variety of nutritional conditions ranging It appears that the disease has become

0038-2809 Jl S.Afr.vet.Ass. (2010) 81(4): 190–200 197 endemic in SA and consequently in- 1989 and 1990 after a suspicious case, conceptus attachment in the postgravid creased vigilance is necessary. which later proved to be negative, was side in pregnancies in consecutive years28. In the autumn of 1993 an outbreak of an identified in an imported stallion. The unknown disease in weanlings and foals survey showed that the few serologically THE 2000s – VETERINARY SCIENCE at foot, characterised by fever, listlessness, positive stallions had all been found nega- IMPROVEMENTS IN THE NEW inappetence, colic, diarrhoea, phlebitis tive and then vaccinated before importa- MILLENNIUM and oedematous swellings of the head tion into SA. In the late 1990s, specimens In February 2003, a presentation by and lower limbs, occurred on a stud in the that were submitted by a rural equine Nicky Holdstock from the UK at the Western Province. During the next 4 practitioner from a stud in annual EPG congress included the years, Fonnie Bruwer, Jurie Gilliomee and Natal aroused Peter Howell’s suspicions symptomatology and gross pathology of Jim Antrobus investigated 16 similar out- and proved to be serologically positive for Lawsonia intracellularis infection in foals. breaks, all during autumn, on a number EVA. Investigations revealed that semen Attention was immediately drawn to the of studs in the region and in spite of imported in 1994 originated from a shed- fact that during Chris Marlow’s epidemi- repeated attempts, particularly by Peter der stallion. ological investigation into the ‘unknown Howell at the Equine Research Centre, at During the mid to late 1990s motivation disease in weanlings’ in 1997, the hoselike viral and bacterial isolation, histopatho- for the notification of contagious and in- thickening of the small intestine had been logical examination and serological tests, fectious disease outbreaks were received observed on at least 2 of the affected the cause(s) remained unidentified. In from a number of quarters with increas- studs. Early in March, less than 3 weeks May and early June in 1997, Dave ing frequency, but unfortunately breed- later, Martin Denkhaus investigated an Longland and a number of other veteri- ers who reported disease outbreaks were outbreak of severe diarrhoea and mortal- narians investigated a similar but more victimised and the question of veterinar- ity in weanlings on a stud in the Western severe outbreak that was accompanied by ian/client confidentiality also arose. Con- Province and the presence of the disease considerable mortality. Again no definite sequently, in 2001 Chris Marlow compiled in horses in this country was confirmed. diagnosis could be made. In mid June, Codes of Practice for each of the more In December 2003, deficiencies in quar- after the outbreak, Chris Marlow, as TBA important diseases to keep breeders, vet- antine procedures were responsible for consultant, conducted a detailed epide- erinarians and other interested parties an outbreak of equine influenza which miological investigation on all the studs informed. The Codes for the controlled rapidly spread to and affected racing in that had been affected, or were suspected diseases included those for African all provinces except KwaZulu-Natal. of having been affected. A plan of action horsesickness (AHS), equine viral arteritis Compulsory vaccination of Thorough- was drawn up, which in addition to the (EVA), dourine, rabies, brucellosis, breds under the rules of the Jockey Club submission of appropriate specimens, salmonellosis, contagious equine metritis of Southern Africa, which had been dis- included the collection of identified (CEM) and equine infectious anaemia continued in 2001, was re-imposed and serum samples from mares, foals, wean- (EIA). The Codes for the non-controlled updated vaccination schedules for both lings and yearlings. Peter Howell and diseases included equine influenza (EI), equine influenza and African horse- Chris Marlow obtained approximately equid herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), equine sickness were compiled and distributed 1500 serum samples in January 1998 and encephalosis (EE), West Nile virus, to all breeders, EPG members and other again in 1999 and in 2000. In April and Middelburg virus, Simbu-group viruses, interested parties. May 1999 an outbreak, accompanied by strangles, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Since August 1999, when larval cyatho- considerable mortality, occurred on a Klebsiella pneumoniae. stominosis was eventually incriminated stud that had been affected every year By the end of the 1990s the live foal rate as the cause of the ‘unknown disease since 1993. A chance remark by Peter in the Thoroughbred had only increased complex in weanlings’, Chris Marlow, Howell that the histopathology of the moderately from the rate in the early who had never seen a clinical case, be- caecum and colon had revealed encysted 1960s in spite of an explosion in equine came increasingly concerned about the nematode larvae led, via Chris Marlow’s reproductive knowledge. Until the early very serious threat that the cyathostomes epidemiological investigation, directly to 1970s the live foal rate was less than 50 %, posed to the Thoroughbred breeding a diagnosis of larval cyathostominosis by the late 1970s it had increased to 52 % industry, particularly in the vast majority and a reevaluation, but unfortunately not and with the introduction of the prosta- of studs, which in this country are run the implementation, of intestinal nema- glandins in 1978 the rate increased to 54 % under very intensive lush grazing systems tode control methods other than the in 1980. In 1980 the Stud Health Scheme and that have a history of regular and favoured ‘interval dosing system’21. was introduced and by 1985 the rate had frequent anthelmintic treatment. It there- In the early 1990s the Jockey Club added increased considerably to 58 % but from fore came as no surprise to hear of a very bloodtyping to their identification system 1986 until 1995 it only increased by 1.5 % serious outbreak of larval cyathosto- for registered Thoroughbreds. The task of to 59.5 % in spite of the general use of minosis and considerable mortality on a the regular collection and submission of ultrasonography using 5 MHz probes. In stud in the Western Province in May 2003. suitable specimens by rural and urban the late 1990s the rate increased to 62 % Towards the end of this outbreak the equine practitioners became a logistical primarily due to economic constraints owner, quite fortuitously, telephoned nightmare and since 1999 a team from and the culling of mares of low fertility50. Dirk Triegaardt to report on the sudden the Equine Research Centre under the However, a major advantage of ultra- appearance of clinical signs in a wean- personal direction of Alan Guthrie has sonography has been a drastic reduction ling filly that differed considerably from provided a highly efficient service that in the reported incidence of twins. the earlier cases, and during a conversa- also includes micro-chipping and Unobserved foetal loss remains a tion with Chris Marlow it became appar- DNA testing to prove maternal origin of major component of reproductive fail- ent that the clinical picture was consis- Thoroughbred foals. ure in mares. Understanding the causes tent with a classical case of purpura Regarding equine viral arteritis (EVA), is limited but a study in this country haemorrhagica. After studying all his Thoroughbred stallions registered for revealed that a significantly higher relevant documentation, he visited the breeding underwent serological tests in incidence of foetal loss accompanied stud a few days later and realised that

198 0038-2809 Tydskr.S.Afr.vet.Ver. (2010) 81(4): 190–200 many of the clinical signs previously of the South African Veterinary Medical Associ- equine encephalosis and serologically ascribed to larval cyathostominosis were ation 20: 21–33 related orbiviruses from horses. In Bryans 7. Belonje,CWA1958 Fertility and infertility J T, Gerber H (eds) Proceedings of the IVth in fact those of purpura haemorrhagica. of Thoroughbred mares under environ- International Conference on Equine Infectious The diagnosis was also supported by the mental conditions prevailing in the Karoo Diseases. Veterinary Publications Incorpo- fact that Peter Howell had repeatedly Midlands of South Africa. DVSc thesis, rated, Princeton, New Jersey: 447–450 isolated Streptococcus zooepidemicus from Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of 28. Gilbert R O, Marlow C H B 1992 A field specimens of the compromised caeco- Pretoria study of patterns of unobserved foetal loss 8. Bosman C J 1966 Haloxon as an anthel- as determined by rectal palpation in foal- colonic gut wall and gut content. Obvi- mintic for horses. Journal of the South African ing, barren and maiden Thoroughbred ously this has led to a drastic reappraisal Veterinary Medical Association 37: 421–424 mares. Equine Veterinary Journal 24: 184–186 of the epidemiology, pathogenesis and 9. Burkhardt J 1948 Some clinical problems of 29. GrosskopfJFW,Tustin R C, Muir R W 1957 control of the cyathostominosis disease horse breeding. Veterinary Record 60: 243– Purulent pneumonia in foals caused by complex in this country. Of interest, in 248 Corynebacterium equi. Journal of the South African Veterinary Medical Association 28: this context, were cases of poor appetite, a 10. Burkhardt J 1949 Sperm survival in the genital tract of the mare. Journal of Agricul- 9–11 painful stiff gait, loss of condition and tural Science (Cambridge) 39: 201–203 30. Guthrie A J, Stevens K B, Bosman P P 1999 emaciation in Thoroughbred mares in the 11. Caslick E A 1937 The sexual cycle and its The circumstances surrounding the out- Natal midlands in June/July 2004 that relation to ovulation with breeding records break and spread of equine influenza in were diagnosed as chronic seneciosis of the Thoroughbred mare. Cornell Veteri- South Africa. Revue Scientifique et Technique 27: 187–206 Office International des Epizooties 18: 179–185 (‘dunsiekte’) and consequently given a narian 12. Caslick E A 1937 The vulva and the vulva- 31. Hancock J L 1948 Notes on oestrus, ovula- hopeless prognosis. After further enquiries, vaginal orifice and its relation to genital tion and pregnancy in the mare. Veterinary immune-mediated myopathies associ- health of the Thoroughbred mare. Cornell Record 60: 679–684 ated with streptococcal infection, in these Veterinarian 27: 178–187 32. Henning M W 1946 On the etiology of cases secondary to the migration of 13. 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