Volume 2 | September 2019
CEM Quarantine News & Updates
Happy Fall from the Center for Equine Health!

With fall on the horizon, we're looking forward to cooler temperatures and, of course, pumpkin spice everything! Whether you are a longtime client or are new to our CEM quarantine facility, we are here to answer your questions and help ensure a smooth process for you and your horses.
Upgrades continue with new custom-fabricated stocks
We continue to make upgrades to the CEM quarantine facility. Brand new, custom-fabricated, powder-coated stocks were installed in our treatment room, in addition to all new polylast flooring. The treatment room is where culture samples from mares are obtained. The new stocks are specially designed to be wider and taller than conventional stocks to accommodate a variety of mares and ensure comfort and safety.
New, custom-fabricated stocks in the quarantine treatment room.
CEM - What is it and why is it a big deal?
Contagious equine metritis (CEM) is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Taylorella equigenitalis. It is transmitted by live cover breeding, contaminated equipment, and in semen collected for artificial insemination. Stallions do not exhibit signs, but can spread the bacteria. Infected mares may become infertile for one or more breeding cycles. Undiagnosed horses can become chronic carriers and sources of infection for future outbreaks. CEM is considered a foreign animal disease and the federally-regulated quarantine program is in place to ensure that the U.S. maintains a CEM-free status. The program was put in place following a 1977 outbreak that cost the Kentucky Thoroughbred industry $4 million.

Federal legislation requires stallions and mares over two years of age imported from most countries to undergo post-entry quarantine.
"The daily check ins from the vet techs were invaluable. Dawne and Kaci were extremely professional, knowledgeable and kind. They were fantastic for putting my mind at ease and very kind to my horse. Five stars for these two ladies. Jaclyn in the business office was extremely helpful and made the entire process easy for me." - Nancy from CA
Stop By And See Us At The Sacramento International Horse Show

Do you have questions about CEM quarantine at CEH?

Stop by the CEH booth at both weeks of the Sacramento International Horse Show at the Murieta Equestrian Center in Rancho Murieta, CA:


Our staff will be on hand to answer your questions about the quarantine process and facility. You can also pick up copies of our Horse Report and many other equine health resources!
You May Be Wondering
Q: What's included in my rate?

A: The UCD CEM Quarantine rates include:

  • Trailer unsealing upon arrival
  • Entrance exam performed by UC Davis veterinarians, videos and pictures
  • Daily updates (phone or text) and pictures (as desired)
  • Board for the minimum quarantine period (15 days for mares, 33 days for stallions) in stalls with heaters and 60' x 16' runs
  • Blanketing and fly mask on/off services as needed/requested
  • Materials and technician time for all aspects of the CEM protocol and laboratory results
  • Veterinarian on site 5 days a week
  • 24/7 monitoring and care
  • Access to veterinary specialists and services through our partnership with the UC Davis veterinary hospital
  • Exit exam performed by UC Davis veterinarians
  • Bloodwork results from exit exam
  • Technician time for specialized feeding and deworming (owner is responsible for cost of feed and dewormer)

*Additional services, including exercise, vaccinations, reproductive and other clinical services are available for additional fees. Please contact cehadmin@ucdavis.edu, (530) 752-6433 with any questions or to arrange for these services during your horse's stay.
To make a reservation or for more information, please contact the CEH office at (530) 752-6433, or email cehadmin@ucdavis.edu .