Taylorella equigenitalis infections in Poland – results of current diagnostic investigations

Abstract

Contagious equine metritis (CEM) is a cosmopolitan infectious, venereal disease of equids caused by the bacterium Taylorella equigenitalis. Its frequently asymptomatic course leads to its prevalence sometimes being underestimated, and knowledge of the spread of infections with its causative agent is insufficient. The aim of this study is to summarise and present data on the incidence of T. equigenitalis infections in horses in Poland. Material and Methods: In the years 2018–2023, routine laboratory tests of horses for CEM were carried out. Between 52 and 99 horses were examined annually. Swabs from the external parts of the urogenital system of mares and stallions were investigated. The supplied swabs were inoculated onto microbiological media and then DNA was isolated from each swab for PCR. Results: In 2018 and 2020, no horses infected with T. equigenitalis were found by any method. In other years, from 1 to 3 (1.01–4.41%) infected horses were found. All positive horses were stallions and came from stables located in central Poland. Conclusion: The detection of infected horses in relatively small groups of tested animals indicates an urgent need to introduce monitoring to estimate the spread of T. equigenitalis infections throughout the country. This may facilitate a more precise assessment of the prevalence of T. equigenitalis infections in Poland and, consequently, their more effective containment.