Contagious Equine Metritis in South Africa
In a press release dated 16 February 2017, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has confirmed the outbreak of Contagious Equine Metritis in South Africa.
Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) was first confirmed in South Africa in 2011 and due to compliance and support from horse owners, societies and veterinarians, the extent of the outbreak was quickly determined and the affected horses treated. Since 2013 no new cases of CEM were reported in South Africa.
Unfortunately, in January 2017, a donor stallion in the Gauteng Province tested positive for CEM as part of the routine surveillance programme for this disease. The strain in this case has been identified as the same one detected in the 2011 outbreak. Further investigations are ongoing under the direction of the State Veterinarian. The cooperation of all horse owners in this regard is requested.
About the disease
Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) is a highly contagious venereal disease of equines and zebra caused by the bacterium Taylorella equigenitalis and is a controlled animal disease according to the South African Animal Diseases Act, No. 35 of 1984. It is associated with economic losses due to its detrimental effects on equine reproductive efficiency and the costs related to the treatment and testing for the disease. CEM is mainly transmitted by both natural and artificial breeding but can also be transmitted by direct or indirect contact e.g. through shared grooming equipment, halters and even clothes and people. Horses that contract CEM may remain infected for life and treatment for the disease is difficult and expensive.
Horse owners are reminded of the importance of obtaining a CEM clearance certificate for all stallions prior to any breeding. The current surveillance measures prescribed in the DAFF letter dated 10 May 2016 remain in place as follows:
• All existing CEM clearance certificates are valid for two years from the date of
issue;
• All new CEM clearance certificates will be valid for a period of two years from
the date of issue;
• For semen donation, stallions will require an annual CEM clearance
certificate.
The situation will be updated as more information becomes available. Detailed information on CEM can be found on the DAFF website on the following link.
The cooperation of all members of the horse industry is appreciated.
For further information, interested parties are invited to contact Makenosi Maroo, Chief Director: Communications Services by phone on 021 319 6787 / 072 475 2956 or by email on MakenosiM@daff.gov.za