Current Trends in Understanding and Managing Equine Rhodococcosis

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Pneumonia caused by soil bacteria Rhodococcus equi occurs in the foals of most horse breeds all over the world, posing a significant challenge for veterinary practitioners. For this reason, many researchers constantly try to find new solutions for successful prevention and management of the disease, but it still remains poorly controlled. This paper presents some promising ideas published during the last decade. Several strategies mentioned below have already been introduced to clinical practice like a variety of immune stimulators, but many others are still under academic considerations. The compilation of these materials may help to understand the complexity of the problem and show the directions for effective practice in the future. ABSTRACT: The aim of this review was to summarize studies on equine rhodococcosis over the last decade. For many years Rhodococcus equi has remained one of the major health challenges in the equine breeding industry worldwide. Recently, many novel approaches and ideas have been described and some of them were initially implemented into the clinical practice. This study reviews a variety of new information about neonatal susceptibility, clinical appearance, considered and applied diagnostic procedures and treatment alternatives, factors limiting accurate prognosis, ideas regarding environmental management and prophylaxis considerations. Although multiple research were conducted, the main problems such as high morbidity and mortality, a lack of reliable prevention strategies and treatment limitations are still unresolved and require further scientific effort.