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Objective: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the contraceptive efficacy of a self‐assembling uterine device (iUPOD™) in the mare. In addition, the effects of iUPODs on oestrous cyclicity, uterine health and circulating concentrations of cortisol were evaluated. Methods: Domestic mares underwent oestrous monitoring and artificial insemination. After subsequent ovulation, mares underwent either placement (n = 7) or sham placement (n = 7; controls) of an iUPOD device. Devices were left in place for at least 3 months. Pregnancy diagnoses were carried out 14 days post‐ovulation, with any pregnancies terminated at 28 days post‐ovulation. All mares underwent weekly blood sampling with or without reproductive examinations throughout the study. Towards the end of the study, multiple serum samples collected over three consecutive days were analysed for concentrations of cortisol. Endometrial biopsies were collected before artificial insemination and during the subsequent breeding season. Endometrial cytology and bacterial cultures were performed before device removal (iUPOD mares) or at the end of the study (control mares). Results: Pregnancies were diagnosed in 0 of 7 iUPOD mares versus 7 of 7 control mares. Placement of iUPODs was associated with extended luteal phases and variable accumulations of intra‐uterine fluid. Bacterial culture results suggested that the mild endometritis associated with iUPODs was sterile in six of seven mares. Short‐term placement of iUPODs had no detrimental effects on endometrial architecture. Mean serum cortisol concentrations were significantly lower in iUPOD mares than control mares. Conclusion: iUPODs represent a promising means of fertility control in the mare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptospira species are found worldwide, favouring tropical regions, and infect a wide range of animal species. Although renal persistence in infected individuals and excretion in urine is thought to be the primary mechanism of disease transmission, recent reports have suggested that persistence in the reproductive tract may be a feature in certain species, including the horse. The aim of this study was to investigate leptospiral infection, particularly within the reproductive tract, in healthy, non‐breeding mares. Serum and endometrial swab samples were collected from 50 mares from the James Cook University Teaching Animal Herd, as well as, where possible, free‐catch urine (n = 19). Sera were screened for antibodies to 24 Leptospira serovars, using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Endometrial and urine samples underwent real‐time PCR testing, targeting the leptospiral rrs gene. Overall, the seroprevalence of leptospirosis was 48% (95% CI: 34%–62%), with serovars Arborea, Bratislava and Australis detected most frequently. PCR positive results were obtained from 1 of 50 (2%) endometrial swabs and 2 of 19 (11%) urine samples. This is the first report of serovar Bratislava in horses in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]