Breeding horses is not what it was 20, even 10 years ago. Now it is nothing to call someone on the other side of the world and through the wonders of artificial insemination (AI), have fresh, cooled or frozen semen or embryos on your doorstep in no time.
Potential for STDs in horses
A potential downside to the ever-improving ease of global breeding is the increased risk of spreading sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) across international borders.
Horses, too, are being shuttled from one location to another for breeding purposes: take, for example, Thoroughbred and Standardbred stallions regularly shipped to countries below the equator (mainly Australia and New Zealand) to live-cover mares during the North American or European off-season.
However, a potential downside to this ever-improving ease of global breeding is the increased risk of spreading sexually transmitted (venereal) diseases across international borders.
Beyond the immediate health effects of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to horses themselves â i.e. abortion, sick or dead foals, discomfort, illness, infertility â lay a greater issue: the possible economic implications for the entire industry.
It is conceivable that a widespread outbreak of an STD could impact the breeding and equine industry on regional or national levels, even globally.
Although the majority of breeders are fully aware of STDs, taking every measure to protect their horses and their interests, ignorance or disregard, could potentially put the industry in peril.
Learn about commonly-found STDs in horses:
Contagious Equine Metritis Mare Stallion (CEM
Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA)
Equine Coital Exanthema (ECE)
Knowing the facts about STDs can go a long way toward understanding the direct as well as far-reaching implications of their spread. Although improved âinternationalâ breeding has not resulted in extensive STD outbreaks, the risk is definitely present.
Plus, there might be even more to the matter than we are currently aware. Dr. Peter Timoney, researcher at the University of Kentuckyâs Gluck Equine Research Centre, is an expert in the field of equine infectious disease. He has suggested that other contagious diseases, including EIA and piroplasmosis, may also be spread venereally. Thus far, the hypothesis remains scientifically unproven, but if it is indeed the case, strict and uniform regulations on the national and international levels will prove even more critical.
As it stands now, regulations vary between countries as do their attitudes, surveillance and prevention and management methods regarding STDs. Reaching international agreements would be, naturally, extremely difficult but essential if outbreaks are to be prevented before they occur, rather than controlled after the fact.