Diarrhea in Foals: Unravelling the Role of Bacterial Infections and Strategies for Diagnosis and Control

Mohamed, Amany M.; Allam, Ahmad M.; Nasr, Soad M.; Abdelshafy, Sobhy; Ghazy, Alaa A

doi:10.21608/ejvs.2025.334951.2481

Diarrhea in Foals: Unravelling the Role of Bacterial Infections and Strategies for Diagnosis and Control

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Artical

Authors

¹ Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.

² Department of parasitology and animal diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, NRC

³ Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, National Research Centre, 33 Bohouth Street, Dokki, Post Box 12622, Giza, Egypt.

10.21608/ejvs.2025.334951.2481

Abstract

Diarrhea is a dangerous condition in foals that can result in dehydration and substantial economic losses. The most common bacterial causes of diarrhea in foals include Salmonella spp., Clostridium perfringens types A and C, Clostridium difficile, and Escherichia coli, in addition to less common bacteria as Rhodococcus equi and Lawsonia intracellularis. Diarrhea typically occurs within the first six months of a foal's life and can manifest as sporadic cases or outbreaks. While C. perfringens and C. difficile are part of the equine neonatal intestinal flora, they can lead to severe diarrhea. Accurate diagnosis of the causative pathogens is crucial for appropriate treatment selection and outbreak prevention. Management of diarrhea primarily involves fluid and electrolyte correction, accounting for factors such as age and physiological status. Symptomatic management may be sufficient, but specific treatments depending on the underlying cause may be necessary. Implementing strict hygienic measures is essential for disease prevention. Traditional diagnostic methods such as bacterial culture and microscopy have limitations, including labor-intensive procedures, low sensitivity, and the need for specialized laboratories and trained personnel. However, advancements in molecular diagnostics and commercially available kits have paved the way for antigen detection and molecular-based techniques, potentially replacing traditional methods. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive examination of bacterial diseases causing diarrhea in foals, focusing on their diagnosis and control. It also emphasizes the "One Health" concept, underscoring the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in addressing the challenges posed by bacterial diarrhea in foals.

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