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Contagious Equine Metritis Update

February 10, 2009

Ottawa, ON --- Equine Canada has been provided with the following update on Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) activities related to Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM).

All CEM related news releases can be found by clicking on the “Health Alerts” icon on Equine Canada’s website at www.equinecanada.ca or by going to http://www.equinecanada.ca/breedsandindustry/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&id=232&Itemid=12&lang=en-GB

Update to the Contagious Equine Metritis investigation

- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) continues to respond to the increasing detections of Taylorella equigenitalis, the bacterium that causes contagious equine metritis (CEM), first reported in the United States on December 15, 2008.

- To date, potentially exposed animals have been identified in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. As a precaution, the CFIA has quarantined animals on the farms, and these measures will remain in place until all potentially exposed mares and their foals have tested negative for CEM.

- As investigations in Canada and the United States continue, animals on additional farms may be quarantined.

- Rounds of sampling are continuing and all test results to date have been negative. Some testing will not be completed until pregnant mares have given birth.

- Effective January 19, 2009, the CFIA implemented a requirement for additional certification for the import of live horses from the United States.

- The CFIA implemented new import requirements for horse germplasm (semen and embryos) on January 29, 2009.

- CEM is a transmissible venereal disease in horses. It is highly contagious and can affect the reproductive ability of infected mares. CEM is treatable with antibiotics.

- The CFIA will continue to work with the United States Department of Agriculture, provincial counterparts, affected producers and the equine industry in this response effort.

- Any horse owner or veterinarian who suspects a horse under their care may be infected with CEM must immediately contact their local CFIA District office.

- CEM is a federally reportable disease in Canada and there are international trade implications if a country loses its CEM-free status.

- There are no human health implications with this disease.

About Equine Canada Breeds & Industry Division

Equine Canada Breeds & Industry Division provides a structure for the more than 40 breed organizations operating in Canada to unite as a coalition under the national federation of Equine Canada. It provides a forum from which to seek and exchange information between Equine Canada, Canadian stakeholders, the Government of Canada and foreign entities. The Breeds & Industry Division works to promote and assist a vibrant equine industry and to affect policy in Canada. Breed organizations and industry partners share resources and expertise with unity of purpose to increase the long-term profitability of Canada's equine sector and ensure its future viability. Visit www.equinecanada.ca for complete information about the Equine Canada Breeds & Industry Division.

About Equine Canada

Equine Canada is a member-based association that represents, promotes and services Canada's equine community and industry. Its core areas of activity involve sport, equine health and welfare, education and safety, governance and marketing, representation and communication. Equine Canada is recognized by Sport Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Coaching Association of Canada as the national organization representing equestrian sport and equine interests in Canada. For more information about Equine Canada, please visit www.equinecanada.ca

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