Contagious equine metritis: a review.
Abstract: Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) is a highly contagious venereal disease of horses caused by a fastidious, Gram-negative coccobacillus which grows best on chocolate agar under microaerophilic conditions (5-10% CO2). Clinically, the disease is characterized by a copious watery-to-mucopurulent, vaginal discharge two to ten days after breeding by an infected stallion (11, 13). Shortened estrous cycle lengths are common and may be the only indication of endometritis in some instances (7). Inapparent carriers of the disease in both the mare and stallion make control of the disease more difficult. Outbreaks of CEM have been reported in England, Ireland, France, Australia and the United States. The current information concerning CEM is reviewed.
Publication Date: 1979-03-01 PubMed ID: 16725406DOI: 10.1016/0093-691x(79)90029-3Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article provides a comprehensive review of contagious equine metritis, a highly infectious sexual disease in horses, discussing its characteristics, spread, treatment options, and detection methods.
Overview of Contagious Equine Metritis
- The study explains that Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) is a highly infectious disease that affects the reproductive systems of mares, characterized by endometritis and infertility. The disease spreads through sexual interaction and doesn’t show any signs of systemic infection.
- The disease was first noticed in 1977, and though primarily observed in Thoroughbred horses, other breeds have also been infected. The geographical spread of CEM includes Europe, Australia, and the United States. In Canada, equine metritis has been declared a reportable disease under the Animal Disease and Protection Act, meaning that it’s or legal obligation to report outbreaks of this disease.
- Interestingly, while mares show signs of infection, stallions do not exhibit any clinical symptoms, although they can carry and spread the infection.
Treatment Responses for Contagious Equine Metritis
- Treating mares with topical and parenteral antibacterial medications has proven to be successful, but some mares continue to function as carriers of the disease even after treatment.
- Interestingly, treating stallions for the disease has been successful even though they show no clinical symptoms. This can help prevent the disease from spreading further.
Identification of the Causative Agent
- The study identifies the bacteria Haemophilus equigenitalis as the pathogen responsible for CEM. It is described as a Gram-negative, microaerophilic coccobacillus.
Diagnosis of Contagious Equine Metritis
- The article describes various laboratory methods and sample collection techniques for diagnosing CEM.
- Suitable diagnostic procedures are crucial for early detection, controlling the spread, and successful treatment of this disease.
Cite This Article
APA
Hughes JP.
(1979).
Contagious equine metritis: a review.
Theriogenology, 11(3), 209-216.
https://doi.org/10.1016/0093-691x(79)90029-3 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA.
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