Canadian Update on CEM Outbreak
The investigation of the outbreak of contagious equine metritis (CEM) in Kentucky last month continues throughout many states in the USA, and has also spilled over into Canada. At this time, four farms in Alberta and six farms in Ontario remain under quarantine. These farms either received frozen semen from one of the three infected Kentucky stallions in the spring of 2008, or have mares that were shipped to Kentucky for artificial insemination with semen from one of these stallions. So far, no confirmed cases of infection have been reported on any of these farms.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for the investigation of reportable animal diseases in Canada, including the current CEM investigation. Representatives of the CFIA will present an update on the situation at the Breeds & Industry Delegate Assembly at the Equine Canada Convention in Ottawa on February 7.
Any horse in Canada suspected of being affected by CEM must be reported to the CFIA. The most apparent, classic sign of CEM in mares is a thick, purulent (pus) vaginal discharge after breeding, without systemic illness (i.e. no fever or depression). However, some mares and almost all stallions can carry the causative organism, Taylorella equigenitalis, without any obvious clinical signs of infection, which is why the disease can be difficult to control if people aren't careful. Taylorella equigenitalis does not affect people.
The CFIA has made several recommendations to Canadian horse owners to try to prevent the spread of this disease into Canada, and to prevent its spread should it be found here at any time:
Until the outbreak investigation in the USA is complete and the disease is contained, use extreme caution or simply refrain from importing breeding animals, semen, embryos etc. from the USA.- Emphasize strict hygiene measures when handling breeding animals. Wear disposable gloves when washing or otherwise coming into contact with a horse's tail or genitalia. Change gloves (and wash your hands!) before handling another horse.
- Use separate equipment (e.g. buckets, sponges, tail wraps) for each horse. Any equipment that must be shared should be thoroughly cleaned and then disinfected between horses. Taylorella equigenitalis is susceptible to most common disinfectants, including bleach.
