Stallion owners are asked to participate in a voluntary surveillance test effort for contagious equine metritis (CEM) in order to help animal health authorities collect accurate information on the presence (or absence) of the disease in the United States. The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's veterinary services program has set a goal of 3,000 participants in this initiative.

The plan was outlined in a stakeholder's announcement and FAQs.

Ellen Buck, DVM, veterinary medical officer for APHIS, discussed the plan during a panel discussion on CEM at the 2009 AAEP Convention. She said the group was contacted by stallion owners who wanted reassurance their animals were clear during a recent outbreak. While their horses weren't tested in connection with the investigation, she's hoping these same owners will "step up to the plate" and volunteer to participate within this screening effort's reduced cost structure.

"It's an opportunity to find out, without great financial impact, that your horse is free of CEM," said APHIS spokesman Jim Barrett