Contagious Equine Metritis Update for Ohio

A total of 11 stallions have been confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) as positive for Taylorella equigenitalis, the causative organism of contagious equine metritis (CEM). In addition to the positive stallions, the NVSL has confirmed that two mares have CEM. Three of the positive stallions are located in Indiana, four are in Kentucky, one is in Texas, and three are in Wisconsin. One positive mare is located in Wisconsin and one is in Illinois. None of the positive horses have yet been identified as the source of the outbreak; the epidemiologic investigation continues to pursue all available information relative to determining the origin of this outbreak, but no conclusions can yet be drawn.

Dr. Leah Dorman, Assistant State Veterinarian-Ohio Department of Agriculture, recently released this statement on February 17:

Here in Ohio, we have 37 mares that have been exposed to CEM. Of these 37 mares, 4 have completed their testing, are negative, and have been released from quarantine. An additional 20 of the 37 mares have started the testing and treatment protocol. Ohio also has 14 stallions that are quarantined. Two of these stallions have started the testing/treatment process.

Due to the fact that CEM is a foreign animal disease, state or federal animal health officials are required to train and witness testing and treatment protocols performed by veterinary practitioners. We have good cooperation from both the equine community and practicing veterinarians. Thanks for your interest and support.

For Ohio specific CEM-related questions, please contact either Dr. Leah Dorman at the Ohio Department of Agriculture (614-728-6220) or Dr. Daniel Harpster at USDA-APHIS-Veterinary Services (614-309-2832).