Equine venereal disease

Equine venereal disease is a term used to describe sexually transmitted diseases in horses. These diseases can have serious health implications for horses, affecting their reproductive health and overall well-being.

Overview

Equine venereal diseases are primarily transmitted through sexual contact between horses. However, some of these diseases can also be spread through artificial insemination or contact with contaminated equipment. The most common equine venereal diseases include Equine viral arteritis, Contagious equine metritis, and Equine coital exanthema.

Equine Viral Arteritis

Equine viral arteritis (EVA) is a contagious disease caused by the equine arteritis virus. It can cause a variety of symptoms in horses, including fever, depression, swelling of the limbs, and abortion in pregnant mares. Stallions can become long-term carriers of the virus, spreading it to mares during breeding.

Contagious Equine Metritis

Contagious equine metritis (CEM) is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the reproductive tract of mares. It can cause inflammation of the uterus, infertility, and spontaneous abortion. Stallions do not typically show symptoms but can carry and spread the bacteria.

Equine Coital Exanthema

Equine coital exanthema (ECE) is a viral disease caused by the equine herpesvirus. It causes lesions on the genitalia of both mares and stallions, which can make breeding painful and result in reduced fertility.

Prevention and Control

Prevention and control of equine venereal diseases involve regular testing of breeding horses, use of safe breeding practices, and prompt treatment of infected animals. Vaccines are available for some diseases, such as EVA.

See Also

• Equine diseases
• Equine reproduction
• Equine veterinary medicine

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