A case of contagious equine metritis (CEM) has been found in a mare in Gloucestershire.
CEM is a venereal infection and is a notifiable disease in the UK.
Defra told H&H the mare has been quarantined and a second is under investigation.
The disease causes inflammation of the uterus. Infected horses can be treated with antibiotics and recover. It can not be transmitted to humans.
“The infection is easily controlled and movement restrictions on the horse and in-contacts have been put in place,” said Defra.
The spread of infection is controlled by preventing the mating of infected horses, treating the infection, re-testing several times to check the infection has cleared up before resuming mating, and applying strict hygiene measures when handling the horses involved.
Further details about CEM can be found at http://archive.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/cem/index.htm
