Importation Program

History and Guidelines of Program

Kentucky is approved by the USDA to accept both mares and stallions from countries considered by the USDA as being affected with Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM).

We accept and clear from quarantine in excess of 300 mares and 25 stallions here in Kentucky annually. During the course of the quarantine the animal undergoes a series of tests and treatments to determine that the animal is not infected with CEM. All of the work done on the animal during the quarantine is performed under the supervision of a representative from the Department of Agriculture by a private practitioner who is licensed and accredited to practice in Kentucky.

In the past the length of the quarantine varied with each mare. Non pregnant mares most often were cleared and released from the quarantine in as little as 35 days. Pregnant mares however remained quarantined until a final set of cultures were obtained post foaling. Recent changes in the regulations now make it possible for all mares to complete the prescribed testing and treatments in as little as three weeks.

With regard to the male animal; again all work is performed under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture by a private practitioner. In the past the quarantine period on stallions was approximately 55 days. Again, the prescribed testing and treatment requirements were changed and now stallions can be completed in as little as 38 days. In order to determine that the stallion is not infected with CEM the animal is bred to two mares and the mares are then subsequently tested for the detection of CEM bacteria.

Kentucky is unique in that it is the only state we know of which requires some degree of CEM testing on all equine animals which have ever been in any foreign country (Canada is sole exception) for any purpose after the animal reached 731 days of age. This testing must be completed before the animal is permitted entry into a breeding shed or facility.

Any stallion wishing to stand at stud in Kentucky, which has been outside of the United States (except for Canada) is required to undergo the test breeding procedure. Again this takes about 38 days to complete.

Any mare (even maiden fillies) which has been outside of the United States (except for Canada) are required to have a minimum of two sets of cultures before being eligible to be bred in Kentucky. This procedure takes no fewer than 10 days.

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