Atypical myopathy: a review and description of the outbreak in the Netherlands during autumn 2009 and spring 2010

This article reviews the literature on equine atypical myopathy (AM), an acute, severe rhabdomyolysis that occurs in horses at pasture. The prevalence, mortality, clinical signs, pathology, potential aetiology, typical aspects, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are described. Horse management, characteristic weather conditions, and possible preventive measures are also discussed. In addition, the characteristics of 54 highly probable or confirmed cases of equine AM occurring between autumn 2009 (27 cases) and spring 2010 (27 cases) in the Netherlands are described. Of the 54 affected horses, nineteen were mares, eleven geldings, and eight stallions; the sex of the other sixteen horses was not recorded. The mortality rate (74.5%) was in the same range as that reported in earlier studies. Many cases were reported at about the same time. Thirty-five horses had been pastured near maple trees, and in fifteen cases the maple trees were known to be infected with the fungus Rhytisma acerinum.