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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Vet Res / Taylorella equigenitalis infections in Poland – result...
Journal of veterinary research2025; 69(3); 339-344; doi: 10.2478/jvetres-2025-0040

Taylorella equigenitalis infections in Poland – results of current diagnostic investigations.

Abstract: Contagious equine metritis (CEM) is a cosmopolitan infectious, venereal disease of equids caused by the bacterium . Its frequently asymptomatic course leads to its prevalence sometimes being underestimated, and knowledge of the spread of infections with its causative agent is insufficient. The aim of this study is to summarise and present data on the incidence of infections in horses in Poland. Unassigned: In the years 2018-2023, routine laboratory tests of horses for CEM were carried out. Between 52 and 99 horses were examined annually. Swabs from the external parts of the urogenital system of mares and stallions were investigated. The supplied swabs were inoculated onto microbiological media and then DNA was isolated from each swab for PCR. Unassigned: In 2018 and 2020, no horses infected with were found by any method. In other years, from 1 to 3 (1.01-4.41%) infected horses were found. All positive horses were stallions and came from stables located in central Poland. Unassigned: The detection of infected horses in relatively small groups of tested animals indicates an urgent need to introduce monitoring to estimate the spread of infections throughout the country. This may facilitate a more precise assessment of the prevalence of infections in Poland and, consequently, their more effective containment.
© 2025 Bernard Wasiński et al.
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Publication Date: 2025-08-07 PubMed ID: 41064404PubMed Central: PMC12503207DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2025-0040Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Objective Overview

  • This study investigates the presence of Taylorella equigenitalis, the bacterium causing contagious equine metritis (CEM), in horses in Poland from 2018 to 2023.
  • The research highlights the prevalence of asymptomatic infections and the need for better monitoring to control the spread of this disease among equine populations.

Background on Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM)

  • CEM is a highly contagious venereal disease affecting horses worldwide.
  • It is caused by the bacterium Taylorella equigenitalis.
  • Infections can often be asymptomatic, making it difficult to detect and potentially leading to underestimated prevalence rates.
  • The disease primarily affects the reproductive system of mares and stallions and can impact breeding programs.

Aim and Importance of the Study

  • The study aimed to summarize and present data on the incidence of Taylorella equigenitalis infections in horses across Poland.
  • Understanding the distribution and prevalence of the disease is critical for designing effective control and prevention strategies.

Methodology

  • The study was conducted over a six-year period, from 2018 to 2023.
  • Each year, routine laboratory tests were performed on between 52 and 99 horses.
  • Swabs were collected from the external urogenital tract of both mares and stallions.
  • Swabs were first inoculated onto microbiological media to culture possible bacterial growth.
  • Subsequently, DNA was extracted from the swabs and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for the presence of Taylorella equigenitalis DNA.

Findings

  • In 2018 and 2020, no infections were detected by either culturing or PCR methods.
  • In the other years, between 1 and 3 infected horses were identified annually, corresponding to an infection rate ranging from 1.01% to 4.41%.
  • All detected positive cases were stallions, not mares.
  • These positive stallions originated from stables located in central Poland, indicating a geographic concentration of cases.

Interpretation and Implications

  • Detection of infected animals even in relatively small sample sizes suggests that Taylorella equigenitalis infections may be present but possibly underreported in Poland.
  • The presence of infections exclusively in stallions might indicate a pattern in transmission or carriage, requiring further epidemiological investigation.
  • Given the contagious nature of CEM and its ability to occur without obvious symptoms, there is an urgent need for a structured national monitoring program.
  • Improved surveillance would help in:
    • Better estimating the true prevalence of Taylorella equigenitalis infections in the Polish equine population.
    • Informing targeted interventions to contain and prevent spread.
    • Protecting breeding stock and minimizing economic losses related to reduced fertility and disease transmission.

Conclusion

  • This study contributes important national data on Taylorella equigenitalis infections in Poland, indicating sporadic but meaningful detection among tested horses.
  • It supports the recommendation to implement continuous monitoring programs and raises awareness about CEM in the equine community.
  • Such efforts will enhance disease management and help safeguard equine health and reproductive success in the region.

Cite This Article

APA
Wasiński B, Złotnicka J, Kubajka M, Olejarczyk M, Szulowski K. (2025). Taylorella equigenitalis infections in Poland – results of current diagnostic investigations. J Vet Res, 69(3), 339-344. https://doi.org/10.2478/jvetres-2025-0040

Publication

Journal of veterinary research
ISSN: 2450-7393
NlmUniqueID: 101696630
Country: Poland
Language: English
Volume: 69
Issue: 3
Pages: 339-344

Researcher Affiliations

Wasiński, Bernard
  • Department of Bacteriology and Bacterial Animal Diseases National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Poland.
Złotnicka, Jolanta
  • Department of Bacteriology and Bacterial Animal Diseases National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Poland.
Kubajka, Maria
  • Department of Bacteriology and Bacterial Animal Diseases National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Poland.
Olejarczyk, Martyna
  • Department of Bacteriology and Bacterial Animal Diseases National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Poland.
Szulowski, Krzysztof
  • Department of Bacteriology and Bacterial Animal Diseases National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Poland.

Conflict of Interest Statement

Conflict of Interests Statement: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this article.

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