NEWS
Two more Ky. horses test positive for CEM
Posted: Saturday, December 20, 2008 8:17 PM
Two more stallions, both non-Thoroughbreds, have tested positive for contagious equine metritis (CEM) in Central Kentucky, and Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer has asked United Stakes Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer to declare a state of agricultural emergency.
The request is a proactive measure to ensure that sufficient resources, including federal funds, are available to manage the disease outbreak, Farmer said.
“It is important for the people of Kentucky to understand that this could be a serious situation in our signature equine industry,” Farmer said. “The state is working with federal authorities to contain the outbreak and determine its source.”
The two stallions tested positive for CEM, a transmissible, exotic venereal disease that can cause infertility in mares, making a total of three from a single Central Kentucky farm, the name of which was not disclosed. The stallions added to the list are a 13-year-old Quarter Horse and a four-year-old registered with the American Paint Horse Association.
A 16-year-old Quarter Horse tested positive on December 10, and the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, confirmed the result on December 15. The affected stallions and all exposed horses on the farm have been quarantined.
Farmer is closely monitoring the situation and has informed Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear of the progress of the investigation. The governor has assured Farmer that he understands the seriousness of the situation and has pledged to work with the commissioner to address the matter.
“The state is acting aggressively to contain and mitigate this disease,” Farmer said. “Our interstate and international trading partners can be confident that Kentucky will employ all necessary resources to deal with this situation.”
For more information on CEM, click here.
