Dec 31, 2008 - 04:05:26 CST
North Dakota mare quarantinedState agriculture officials say a North Dakota mare and other horses on the same property have been quarantined after the mare's exposure to a highly contagious venereal disease in horses.
Dr. Susan Keller, the state veterinarian, says the mare was artificially bred with infected semen from one of four Kentucky stallions that have been diagnosed with contagious equine metritis, or CEM. The disease causes infertility in mares and may cause spontaneous abortions.
Officials say the disease can be treated with antibiotics and disinfectants.
Keller says the quarantine is in effect until the mare has been tested three times with negative results. Her statement did not identify the mare's owners or say where they live.
Keller says the mare is pregnant and shows no signs of aborting, and does not pose a risk to other horses.
- Associated Press
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