Abstract:
The first outbreak of Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) due to Taylorella equigenitalis in
South Africa was reported to the OIE in May 2011 subsequent to importation of a stallion,
the index case. Two additional positive stallions were identified on an initial trace-back. The
outbreak-response prompted determination of the national prevalence and distribution of
CEM. A nation-wide PCR-based screening of all breeding stallions motivated by a previous
outbreak report [1] was implemented via a mandatory CEM-negative clearance certificate
prior to use for natural breeding or semen collection. Compliance from breeders was
facilitated by developing a web-based system providing an easily-accessed, rapid and costeffective
sampling, testing and reporting process on www.cemsa.co.za. A submission form,
information, a breed-indexed list of stallions achieving CEM-clearance and a method for
obtaining and submitting two sets of swabs (with an interval > 7d) from the external
genitalia were accessible on the website. A duplex PCR was chosen as the assay method due
to potential for submission of samples with minimal restrictions on transit time and
temperature criteria and rapid, high throughput, cost-effi-ciency and reported sensitivity
*1,2+. A clearance certificate was issued via the website after negative results from both sets
of samples.
