| Contact: Molly Dall'Erta | For Immediate Release |
| Phone: 202.296.4031 | March 24, 2000 |
| Email: AHC@horsecouncil.org |
Washington, D.C.-Since the Fall of 1997 there have been 9 horses presented for entry into the U.S. found positive for Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM). Seven of those horses have been stallions out of Germany and two have been mares from the Netherlands. All have been Warmbloods. Some of the problem has been the laboratories' lack of adherence to established testing protocol, primarily in reading results too soon. The good news is that our import requirements are working and catching the positive cases although there have been some "near misses". It is likely that some tightening of requirements will result. The AHC is working with the USDA to ensure that any changes that might be made to CEM import rules will be necessary and not unduly burdensome on the horse industry. The AHC is also encouraging the USDA to establish a laboratory accreditation process for state laboratories which conduct CEM testing. This is a difficult test and we must be certain that our labs are capable of conducting the tests properly.
The American Horse Council, the national legislative representative for the horse industry, works daily with Congress, federal agencies and the industry itself to create an environment that benefits horses and the people who depend on, care about and enjoy them. A non-profit organization, the AHC's activities are funded entirely through membership dues. The AHC represents all breeds, disciplines and activities as well as owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, competitors, trainers, jockeys, drivers, breed registries, horsemen's associations, race tracks, horse shows and rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.
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Copyright © 2000 the American Horse Council.