Contagious equine metritis eradicated from Japan.

The researchers conducted a program to eradicate contagious equine metritis, a venereal disease in horses, in Japan by implementing a test and treatment procedure which led to the elimination of the disease by 2010.

Overview of the Research Paper

This research paper focuses on the successful eradication of Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) in Japan. The mission was kickstarted after the disease made its first appearance in Japan in 1980, primarily infecting the Thoroughbred population in the Hidaka-Iburi district of Hokkaido. The researchers applied a system that included early detection with PCR tests, followed by culling or treatment of carrier horses.

Procedure of the Research

• The research started in 2001, involving a large-scale program that tested 12,356 Thoroughbred racing stallions and mares.
• The initial tests uncovered 11 carrier animals which were immediately acted upon.
• In the subsequent years (2002 to 2005), the same extensive program was carried out, resulting in the detection of a decreasing number of carrier mares.
• The consistent implementation of the program yielded no PCR-positive horses from 2006 to 2010.

Results of the Research

The results of the study showcased a reassuring downward trend in the number of carrier mares over the years, leading to the absence of any carriers by 2006. These findings strongly suggest that the contagious equine metritis was essentially eradicated from Japan by 2010. This provides a successful case study of disease control in the equine population and lays a foundation for future prevention and control strategies for similar diseases.