Epidemiological observations on contagious equine metritis in Kentucky, 1978.

This research article is on the outbreak of contagious equine metritis (CEM) affecting thoroughbred horses in Kentucky in 1978, its transmission, diagnosis, and the effectiveness of implemented control measures.

Introduction and Background

• The research study provides an epidemiological analysis of an outbreak of Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) occurring in 1978 in Kentucky.
• CEM is an infectious disease affecting horses. In this case, it was spread amongst thoroughbred broodmares.
• The outbreak was caused by two infected stallions that were imported from France, showcasing how international transportation of livestock can introduce foreign diseases into new environments.

Diagnosis and Transmission

• Diagnosis of the disease was made through bacteriological techniques and a complement fixation test, a specific type of immunological test used to measure the presence of certain antibodies in the body. This shows the reliance on both microbiological and immunological diagnostic methods for identification of the disease.
• The study revealed that the transmission of the infection to other stallions and possibly to a few mares occurred in the breeding sheds of two stud farms and was facilitated by human activities. This demonstrates the role human handling plays in the lateral spread of animal diseases.

Control and Containment

• The researchers highlighted that control measures were implemented early during the outbreak, which helped confine the disease to broodmares bred by the infected stallions on these two farms.
• This suggests that the control strategies were effective in preventing the widespread transmission of the disease across the greater horse population in Kentucky.

Conclusion

• The article stresses the significance of stringent biosecurity measures and early intervention to control and contain livestock diseases such as contagious equine metritis.
• Further, it suggests the need for careful surveillance and regulation of international horse trade to avoid the introduction and spread of foreign diseases into new environments.