A fourth stallion from Woodford, Ky., has tested positive for Taylorella equigenitalis. The venereal infection, also known as contagious equine metritis, was last reported in the U.S. in December 2006. The first stallion was reported by the World Organization for Animal Health on Dec. 17, which had been identified as having CEM during routine testing for export of semen. By Dec. 19, two more stallions had tested positive, prompting Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer to ask U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer to declare a state of agricultural emergency. Farmer also requested federal funds “as a proactive measure to ensure that sufficient resources are available to manage the disease outbreak.” Each of the four stallions (three Quarter Horses and one American Paint) stood the 2008 season at DeGraff Stables/Liberty Farm Equine Reproduction Center LLC in Woodford County. At press time, three of the four stallions continue to reside on the original premises with the fourth on another nearby facility, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture reported. Five additional stallions at the facility have cultured negative on initial tests. The source of the outbreak is still under investigation. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture and DeGraff Stables/Liberty Farm are posting updates and a list of resources for veterinarians and horse owners. <HOME>
