CEM Quarantine
FDACS-approved Contagious Equine Metritis quarantine facility in Reddick, Florida
What is CEM?
Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) is a highly contagious bacterial venereal disease affecting horses. It is caused by the bacterium Taylorella equigenitalis and can result in temporary infertility in mares and persistent carrier status in stallions.
Who is Affected?
CEM quarantine is required for horses imported from CEM-affected countries. This includes breeding stallions, mares intended for breeding, and other equines as determined by USDA APHIS regulations.
Why Quarantine?
Quarantine prevents the introduction and spread of CEM into the United States horse population. Hope Hall Farm operates a USDA-approved facility with strict biosecurity protocols to ensure compliance and the health of all horses in our care.
The Import Journey
Pre-Import Planning
Coordinate with your veterinarian and USDA APHIS to confirm import requirements and testing schedules.
Export Country Testing
Required CEM testing and health certification completed in the country of origin prior to departure.
Port of Entry
Horse arrives at a USDA-approved port of entry and is cleared by USDA veterinary officials.
Transport to Facility
Direct transport to Hope Hall Farm under biosecurity protocols.
Quarantine Period
Horse undergoes the required quarantine and testing protocol at our USDA-approved facility.
Release & Integration
Upon successful completion of all testing requirements, the horse is released from quarantine.
Quarantine Protocols
Mare Protocol
- Arrival examination and health assessment
- 1st culture set — clitoral fossa, clitoral sinuses, cervix
- 2nd culture set — clitoral fossa, clitoral sinuses, cervix
- 3rd culture set — clitoral fossa, clitoral sinuses, cervix
- ✓4th culture set — optional for expedited stay
Stallion Protocol
- Arrival examination and health assessment
- 1st culture set — urethral fossa, urethral sinus, pre-ejaculatory fluid
- 2nd culture set — urethral fossa, urethral sinus, pre-ejaculatory fluid
- 3rd culture set — urethral fossa, urethral sinus, pre-ejaculatory fluid
Timing note: exact duration depends on the applicable USDA/FDACS protocol and test results.
Biosecurity & Facility Rules
Dedicated quarantine unit physically separated from general horse population
Dedicated equipment and personnel for quarantine horses
No contact between quarantine and non-quarantine horses
All visitors must follow biosecurity protocols
Daily health monitoring and record keeping
USDA-approved laboratory testing throughout protocol
Pricing
Full quarantine protocol included
Full quarantine protocol included
Pricing is per quarantine stay. Contact us for details.
Additional Care & Services
Daily Turnout
Supervised daily turnout included.
Veterinary Care
On-call veterinary services available throughout the quarantine period.
Farrier Services
Farrier services available upon request.
Specialized Feeding
Individual feeding programs tailored to each horse's needs.
Positive Test Warning
In the event of a positive CEM test result, the horse must remain in quarantine and undergo treatment as directed by USDA APHIS. Additional costs for extended quarantine and treatment will apply. Hope Hall Farm will work closely with the owner and USDA officials to manage the situation.
Owner Checklist
- 1Confirm import permit and USDA APHIS requirements with your veterinarian
- 2Schedule quarantine dates with Hope Hall Farm in advance
- 3Arrange export country testing and health certification
- 4Confirm port of entry and USDA clearance arrangements
- 5Arrange direct transport from port of entry to Hope Hall Farm
- 6Provide complete health and vaccination records
- 7Confirm feed and dietary requirements
- 8Review and sign quarantine agreement and biosecurity protocols
- 9Arrange payment prior to arrival
- 10Confirm emergency veterinary contact information
Regulatory Information
All quarantine procedures are conducted in strict accordance with USDA APHIS regulations. For official import requirements, please consult the USDA APHIS and FDACS websites.
Download CEM Quarantine Information
Download our complete CEM quarantine guide for imported horses.
Download PDF