Number of Stallions Testing Positive for Contagious Equine Metritis Grows

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The number of horses testing positive for contagious equine metritis (CEM) nationally continues to grow as the investigation and related testing expands. Nationally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and state animal health agencies have identified 334 horses as exposed. That figure represents 43 stallions and 291 mares. The two latest stallions testing positive are in Wisconsin and Texas.

As animal health officials continue to identify the identities and locations of at-risk mares and stallions, horse owners are being contacted to gather basic information and schedule testing.

Indiana State Board of Animal Health veterinarians have received inquiries from horse owners who would like to treat their mares on their own, without oversight or guidance from regulatory officials. BOAH veterinarian and equine Director Dr. Tim Bartlett strongly discourages this practice, because it could negatively impact the nationwide eradication of the disease.

"CEM is not a fix-it-yourself disease," he explaind. "If not done properly, there's always a risk that an individual animal may not be completely cured. That could leave a reservoir of infection in the environment."

The USDA has a very specific testing and treatment protocol that must be met to ensure CEM is eradicated. Dr. Bartlett noted, "Unless we, as an industry, can address this properly and at all levels, we may lose our status in the global marketplace as a source of disease-free equine. The industry as a whole has a lot at stake."

What's more, those who treat their animals themselves could hinder the nationwide investigation, added Dr. Bartlett. "Ultimately, we could end up dealing with CEM infections for years-and that's the last thing we want."

Horse owners who have questions or concerns about testing and/or treatment procedures should contact BOAH for guidance.

Treatment has begun on all three of the stallions traced to Indiana, under the supervision of BOAH. Extensive testing must be completed on the stallions before quarantines can be lifted and the animals released for breeding.

Contagious equine metritis is a transmissible, exotic venereal disease in horses.  It usually results in infertility in mares and, on rare occasions, can cause mares to spontaneously abort.  Infected stallions exhibit no clinical signs but can carry the CEM bacteria for years.  CEM is commonly transmitted during sexual intercourse, but also may be transmitted indirectly through artificial insemination or contact with contaminated hands or objects.

There is no evidence that CEM affects people.

For the most accurate information on this case visit the BOAH Web site at www.in.gov/boah.   

The first cases of CEM in the United States were diagnosed in central Kentucky in 1978.  Another outbreak occurred in Missouri in 1979.  The disease was eradicated rapidly in both outbreaks.