CEM Test, Treatment Protocol Videos Available
- Topics: Article, Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM)
With more than 350 horses involved in the investigation into contagious equine metritis (CEM), veterinarians in 38 states are being asked to swab and treat horses for a disease this country hasn’t seen in decades, and then only on a limited basis in Kentucky.
CEM is caused by Taylorella equigenitalis, a Gram-negative bacterium, which is found on the genitalia of mares and stallions, as are many other species of bacteria (and some fungi). Those testing an animal for CEM must follow strict guidelines in order to ensure the swab can be used to diagnose CEM in the laboratory.
Because this disease has only been seen on a limited basis in this country by very few veterinarians outside Central Kentucky—especially in the last outbreak, which occurred nearly 30 years ago–TheHorse.com teamed up with Kentucky State Veterinarian Robert Stout, DVM, and volunteers Tom Riddle, DVM, and Pete Sheerin, DVM, Dipl. ACT, at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky., to produce demonstration videos.