LABÉO Academy : Métrite contagieuse et exanthème coïtal

This LABÉO Academy presentation, delivered by a veterinary expert, focuses on two contagious venereal diseases in horses: coital exanthema (caused by Equine Herpesvirus type 3) and contagious equine metritis (CEM, caused by Taylorella equigenitalis). The speaker begins by comparing these diseases to human STIs, emphasizing the importance of pre-breeding testing. For coital exanthema, he describes clinical signs (vesicles and ulcers on genitalia), transmission via venereal contact, and diagnostic methods, highlighting PCR as the preferred technique over viral culture due to speed and practicality. He also discusses treatment limitations and prevention through hygiene and artificial insemination. The presentation then shifts to CEM, detailing the bacterium’s characteristics, regulatory status (notifiable disease in France), and diagnostic approaches including culture (with 7-10 day incubation) and PCR. The speaker emphasizes the importance of proper sample handling and laboratory accreditation. He shares a recent 2025 outbreak case involving four stallions and a mare, illustrating challenges in treatment and the emergence of a specific subtype (ST71). The talk concludes with prevention strategies, including biosecurity and testing of imported horses. Throughout, the speaker provides practical advice for veterinarians and breeders, based on his laboratory’s extensive experience.