When it comes to equine health and reproduction, time, precision, and preventative action are everything. Among the many threats to equine breeding programs worldwide, one stands out for its potential to disrupt fertility, hinder trade, and create silent outbreaks: Taylorella equigenitalis, the causative agent of Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM).

CEM is a serious, highly contagious venereal disease in horses, particularly affecting breeding stallions and mares. Left undiagnosed, it can spread silently through international breeding programs, compromising not only reproductive success but also regulatory compliance and animal welfare.

Today, accurate, sensitive, and rapid diagnostics are more crucial than ever. That’s why veterinary labs, equine clinics, and breeding facilities turn to the VetFor Taylorella Equigenitalis Detection Kit, a qPCR-based solution that delivers high-confidence results with speed and efficiency.

Understanding Taylorella equigenitalis and Its Impact on Equine Health

Taylorella equigenitalis is a gram-negative, microaerophilic bacterium that resides in the reproductive tract of horses. Transmission occurs primarily through natural mating or artificial insemination using contaminated equipment or semen.

Key Characteristics of the Pathogen:

– Host-Specific: Primarily infects horses

– Silent Carrier States: Stallions often carry the bacteria asymptomatically, acting as vectors for transmission

– Fastidious Growth: Requires special conditions for culture, making traditional diagnostics difficult

– High Transmission Rate: Easily spreads in breeding populations without timely intervention

Clinical Signs of Infection

In mares:

– Vaginal discharge

– Temporary infertility

– Endometritis (inflammation of the uterine lining)

In stallions:

– Typically, asymptomatic

– May harbor bacteria for long periods in the urethral fossa, penile sheath, or prepuce

Taylorella equigenitalis is a notifiable disease in many countries, including the U.S., UK, and EU member states. Outbreaks result in movement restrictions, quarantines, and substantial financial loss.

Why Early Diagnosis is Critical for CEM Control

CEM is difficult to detect without testing. Its ability to hide in asymptomatic stallions or manifest only mild symptoms in mares makes routine diagnostic screening essential in:

– Pre-breeding examinations

– International horse transportation and import/export clearance

– Outbreak investigations in equine reproductive centers

Delays in detection can lead to:

– Unknowingly spreading the bacteria to multiple mares

– Contaminating semen batches and breeding facilities

– Breeding interruptions and regulatory consequences

With qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction), veterinary professionals now have a reliable tool that detects even minute levels of the pathogen’s DNA, delivering results that traditional bacterial cultures often miss.

Introducing the VetFor Taylorella Equigenitalis Detection Kit

The VetFor Detection Kit by Vitrosens is a real-time PCR-based diagnostic solution designed for the qualitative detection of Taylorella equigenitalis in equine urethral and clitoral swab samples. It’s engineered for high sensitivity, speed, and specificity, making it ideal for routine surveillance, outbreak response, and pre-export certification.

Why Choose the VetFor Detection Kit?

✔ Targeted Accuracy

Utilizes fluorescent probes to identify a specific gene sequence unique to Taylorella equigenitalis, ensuring no cross-reactivity with related bacteria.

✔ Superior Sensitivity

It detects as low as 100 copies/mL. It is ideal for identifying early-stage or low-load infections in asymptomatic carriers.

✔ Fast Turnaround

The complete workflow, from DNA extraction to result, can be completed in just a few hours.

✔ Ready-to-Use Components

Pre-packed kits include swabs, transport media, magnetic rods, lyophilized PCR reagents, and extraction reagents.

✔ Wide Compatibility

Validated on platforms including ChainPro NGX16-4F, QuantStudio 5, CFX96, LightCycler, and Gentier 96.

✔ Veterinarian-Focused Design

Created specifically for use in equine health laboratories and reproductive centers.

How to Use the VetFor Taylorella Equigenitalis Detection Kit

Sample Collection

• Stallion (Urethral Swab):

– Retract the foreskin to expose the urethral meatus.

– Insert sterile swab 2–4 cm into the urethra, rotate gently, and place into universal transport media.

• Mare (Clitoral Swab):

– Gently part the labia to expose the clitoral hood.

– Lightly swab the glans for 5–10 seconds and place the swab into universal transport media.

Store samples at 2–8°C short-term or -80°C for long-term.

Nucleic Acid Extraction (using MagPro MGX2 or compatible system)

1. Add 200 µL of the sample to the extraction kit (LB well).
2. Load the magnetic rod and start the automatic extraction process.
3. After extraction, pipette 20 µL of supernatant into a PCR reagent tube.
4. Mix gently and ensure reagents are fully dissolved.

PCR Amplification and Detection

1. Insert PCR tubes into the thermal cycler.
2. Run the program:

– 95°C for 2 min (initial denaturation)

– 40 cycles of 95°C for 5 sec, 60°C for 10 sec (data collection – FAM channel)

3. Interpret results after the run.

Result Interpretation

– Positive: S-curve amplification observed with Ct < 38

– Negative: No amplification or Ct ≥ 38

– Invalid: Repeat the test due to error or contamination

Why This Kit Is a Must-Have for Equine Reproductive Health

When managing high-value breeding stock and navigating tight international biosecurity regulations, precision is non-negotiable.

The VetFor Taylorella Equigenitalis Detection Kit empowers your clinic or lab to:

– Protect herd fertility with early and definitive diagnosis

– Prevent silent spread by identifying asymptomatic carriers

– Ensure compliance with international veterinary health standards

– Streamline workflows with ready-to-use reagents and built-in controls

With outbreaks still reported in Europe and beyond, routine screening using this qPCR kit is the gold standard for protecting both horses and your breeding program’s reputation.

References

1. World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). “Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) – Manual of Diagnostic Tests.”
2. USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service – “CEM Overview and Testing Protocols.”
3. Timoney PJ, et al. “Contagious Equine Metritis: Transmission, Diagnosis, and Control.” Equine Vet Educ, 2016.