Message from WA State Vet

Seven Washington mares exposed to contagious equine metritis

Horse owners and breeders in Washington should be aware that seven mares have been exposed to contagious equine metritis (CEM), a potentially devastating disease for our breeding population. While the mares have not yet tested positive for this venereal disease, in accordance with USDA protocols the exposed mares remain under quarantine until confirmed negative.
Last December, a Quarter Horse stallion on a Kentucky farm tested positive for CEM during routine testing for international semen shipment. A total of eight stallions have now been confirmed as positive for CEM by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories. Four of the infected stallions are located in Kentucky , three are in Indiana , and one is in Wisconsin . The exposures were primarily through co-location at breeding facilities during either the 2008 or 2007 breeding season.

At least 350 exposed horses in 38 states have been identified during the course of this USDA investigation. Other exposed stallions were found in Alabama , Florida , Georgia , Indiana , Kentucky , Louisiana , Ohio , Tennessee , Texas and Wisconsin . An additional 94 exposed horses are still being traced.

An exposed mare is one that was bred to a CEM-positive stallion, either naturally or via artificial insemination, or an exposed stallion is one that has naturally serviced an exposed or infected mare. Other possible avenues of exposure are still under investigation. Testing and treatment protocols are being put into action for all located horses. All CEM exposed horses in Washington are currently under quarantine or hold order. There is no danger to the equine population in Washington and there is no human health risk.

For more information, see the USDA APHIS at www.aphis.usda. gov and search “CEM” under Hot Topics.

Horse Estrays

I am still hearing concerns about the number of abandoned horses and the cost to WSDA’s Brand Inspection program for managing this problem. With the closure of U.S. horse slaughter facilities, many believed that we would see an increase in at-large horses in Washington . So far, the department has not experienced an increase of at-large horse impounds. In fact, WSDA handled only 24 estray horses in 2008, down from 33 handled in 2007. And year after year, the sale of estrays is covering program costs.

We are, however, experiencing some new challenges. Sales of impounded horses are bringing less revenue due to declining market prices. A shrinking number of public livestock markets are willing to stable and sell at-large animals. Impound expenses are increasing. As we move into 2009, WSDA will continue to improve coordination with local authorities, identify additional impound sites and seek to reduce impound costs.

While the vast majority of horse owners love and respect their animals, we also need to remind folks it is against the law to abandon their unwanted animals. Under state law, abandoning a horse, or any other animal, is a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor. The Washington Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act ( RCW 16.52) defines “abandons” as “the knowing or reckless desertion of an animal by its owner or the causing of the animal to be deserted by its owner, in any place, without making provisions for the animal's adequate care.” The law provides that economic distress of the owner can be a defense to some animal cruelty crimes, but not for abandonment.

As with all crimes, the investigation is under the jurisdiction of local law enforcement and cases are prosecuted by the county prosecutor. The maximum punishment for a misdemeanor is 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000 or both. The maximum punishment for a gross misdemeanor is one year in jail, a fine of up to $5,000 or both.

Dr Leonard Eldridge, DVM
State Veterinarian
Washington State Department of Agriculture
360-902-1881