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Background Marajó Island, within in the Amazon River Delta, supports numerous bands of feral equids including the genetically distinct Marajoara horses. Approximately 40% of the equids on the island are infected with Equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV). This high seropositivity rate coupled with the need to preserve rare breeds such as the Marajoara horse precludes euthanasia as the primary means for controlling EIAV in this region. In the absence of iatrogenic transmission, spread of this lentivirus is mediated primarily by hematophagous insects, whose year-round prevalence on the island is supported by favorable climatic conditions. In addition, cases of vertical EIAV transmission have been observed suggesting inclusion of seropositive mares in restorative breeding programs could result in their progeny becoming infected with this virus either pre-parturition or post-partum via hematophagous insects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate EIAV vertical and post-partum insect-mediated transmission rates among foals born to seropositive feral mares until natural weaning. Serum samples from foals born to seropositive feral mares within the Soure municipality, of Marajó Island, were collected to investigate their serological status, using an indirect ELISApgp45, with positive samples confirmed using the classical agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) assay. Results The serological status of 28 foals were monitored over a 2-year period with some subjects, depending on their date of birth, being sampled up to six times. All foals remained with their respective mares until fully weaned at approximately 10 months of age. Only 2 foals (7.14%) in the study group became seropositive against EIAV. Conclusion The results demonstrate that in most cases it is possible to obtain seronegative foals born to and eventually weaned by EIA positive mares, even in equatorial regions where substantial rainfall and high temperatures favor the proliferation of insect vectors.

A 15-year-old male Quarter Horse stallion was referred with paraphimosis and suspected exuberant granulation tissue (EGT) of the glans penis. Physical examination revealed a painful, voluminous, pink, irregular, cauliflower-shaped lesion on the penis. Based on the history, anatomical location and clinical presentation EGT was suspected. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis with no evidence of neoplasia. To obtain breeding soundness, surgical excision of the EGT and reconstruction of the glans penis was recommended.Following surgical removal of the granulation tissue, the stallion recovered without complications and returned to breeding with satisfactory performance including normal libido and mating behaviour.

Background Marajó Island within in the Amazon River Delta supports numerous bands of feral equids including the genetically distinct Marajoara horses. Roughly 40% of the equids on the island are infected with the Equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV). In the absence of iatrogenic transmission, spread of this lentivirus is mediated mainly by hematophagous insects whose year-round prevalence on the island is supported by favorable climatic conditions. The euthanasia of all infected equids within the population is not a feasible strategy when the prevalence of the disease is high or in highly specialized or rare breeds of equid such as the Marajoara horse. Preservation of these animals is complicated by high rates of seropositivity with the potential for vertical transmission or insect mediated transmission following parturition of foal. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate EIAV vertical and post-partum insect-mediated transmission rates among foals born to seropositive feral mares until natural weaning. Serum samples of foals born to seropositive feral mares from Soure municipality, within Marajó Island, were collected to investigate their serological status, using an indirect ELISApgp45 with positive samples being tested in the classical agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) assay to confirm the results. Results Twenty-eight foals were sampled and their serological status was monitored over a 2-year period. Depending on the birth date, some of them were sampled up to six times. All foals remained with their respective mares until fully weaned, approximately 10 months of age, and just 2 of 28 foals (7.14%) in the study group became seropositive against EIAV. Conclusion The results showed that in most cases it is possible to obtain negative foals born to and eventually weaned by EIA positive mares, even in equatorial regions where substantial rainfall and high temperatures favor the proliferation of insect vectors.

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