Abstract

Abortions in mares linked to Eastern Tent caterpillars are known as Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome (MRLS) (ETC; Malacosoma americanum). The purpose of this study is to determine whether the theory that a toxin is the root cause of MRLS can be tested using Westerman's Correlates of Causal Strength of Evidence (WCCSE) and still make sense given the environmental elements that are known to affect the development of MRLS. All correlations with WCCSE support a toxin as a likely causal agent. Environmental aspects supported this hypothesis as well. Higher than average ambient temperatures and less precipitation than usual were linked to MRLS incidents. A speedy tightly clustered hatching interval was made possible by higher temperatures, which resulted in a higher population density of ETCs during a specific time period and promoted more active intake of Black Cherry tree leaves.

Keywords: Toxin; reproductive syndrome; Malacosoma americanum.