A Defra spokesman has confirmed a case of CEM, stating:
“On 9 June 2021, a case of Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) was confirmed in a breeding stallion at an equine premises in England.
“We are working closely with the British Equine Veterinary Association and industry experts to treat the affected horse and trace those horses which may have come into contact with it. There is no public health risk.”
Background:
•One stallion on a breeding premises in West Devon has tested positive for Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) – a reportable disease of horses.
•CEM is a venereal infection that can be treated with antibiotics. The source of infection is believed to be contact with a stable mate abroad, prior to arriving in the UK.
•The infection is easily controlled, and movement restrictions on the horse and in-contact animals have been put in place.
•Three mares which had close contact with the infected horse at the same premises are currently under investigation.
•CEM is not infectious to humans so it is not deemed a public health risk.
•It is considered that there will be only limited trade implications.
•The last outbreak of CEM in GB was in April 2020 in Scotland.
•The horse and any contacts will be managed in accordance with the Codes of Practice of the Horseracing Betting Levy Board.