Horses: CEM organism test for export and breeding (LSW013)
Vets can use this form to test horses for the Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) organism for export and breeding purposes.
Documents
Details
Vets can use this form to submit samples from horses to test for Taylorella equigenitalis (the Contagious Equine Metritis organism) for:
- export
- breeding purposes
Testing is carried out by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Check the relevant export health certificate (EHC) for the testing requirements of the country you are exporting to.
Fees and turnaround times
You can find the fees and turnaround times on the APHA surveillance price list:
- CEMO culture only: TC0028
- CEM Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) (individual): TC0687
- CEM PCR (pooled): TC0287
- Klebsiella and Pseudomonas (Horse only): TC0101
When to take samples
Culture
Culture is set up every working day and we accept samples before 9am on a Saturday. Bank holiday hours will differ.
Samples must arrive within 48 hours of sampling. We are not permitted to culture out-of-time samples.
PCR testing
Samples for PCR testing for export to the EU must be received within 48 hours of sampling. The EHC will specify if they have to be tested within a 48-hour window.
PCR testing days are Tuesdays and Thursdays. If the EHC requires testing within 48 hours, we must receive the samples on these days to achieve the testing deadline.
If a pooled PCR test is required, submit the swabs individually and they will be pooled at the lab.
Submitting samples
Use charcoal swabs to take genital samples for culture and PCR testing.
Check the EHC to see if you need to send the samples on ice. Ensure the paperwork is protected from the ice pack inside the parcel.
Use one form per horse and complete the form in full. Your results may be delayed if you do not provide all the required information.
Send this form and the samples to:
APHA Veterinary Investigation Centre
Merrythought
Calthwaite
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 9RR
You must follow the rules for packaging and sending pathological material.
How to pay
You enter into a contract with APHA when the Veterinary Investigation Centre receives your sample and submission form.
You will be sent an invoice with instructions on how to set up an account to make payment. You must pay within 28 days of the date of invoice. APHA reserves the right to withhold services for accounts in arrears.
See our general terms and conditions that apply to testing where no specific contract is signed.
Receiving your test results
Check the price list for the maximum processing time for each test.
Test results are returned as soon as possible. If you need the findings urgently, you should include this on the form.
Reports are sent by email. You can also ask that results are sent to someone other than yourself. Specify this on the form where required.
Contact APHA
Email: cemo@apha.gov.uk
Telephone: 03000 600001