All of the bacterial and viral venereal diseases which may be transmitted during natural mating can also be transmitted in artificially inseminated semen, be it fresh, chilled or frozen. Owing to the large number of mares that can be inseminated by an infected stallion and the fact that the diseases are endemic in many countries from which semen may be imported, the potential for disease transmission via the use of artificially inseminated semen is significant. It is therefore essential that all semen is accompanied by certification provided by the sender confirming the disease free status of the stallion at the time of collection. It is also essential that no semen is artificially inseminated unless the person performing the insemination can verify the following:
I. For semen originating within the UK (fresh, chilled or frozen)
A. Each dose of semen must be clearly labelled with:
i. The name of the stallion;
ii. The time and date on which the semen was collected;
iii. The insemination dose per mare;
iv. The progressive motility of the semen;
v. The concentration of the (extended) semen.
B. Each dose of semen must be accompanied by a certificate available to download here, stating that:
i. The stallion has been tested for the CEMO, Klebsiella pneumoniae capsule types 1, 2 and 5, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and equine infectious anaemia according to the current HBLB Code of Practice, with negative results after 1st January of the current year.
ii. The stallion has either been tested seronegative for Equine Arteritis Virus according to the current HBLB Code of Practice after 1st January of the current year or has been vaccinated against EVA having been tested seronegative prior to vaccination or has been tested seropositive, is not vaccinated against EVA but has been proven by virus isolation test not to be shedding the Equine Arteritis Virus in his semen.
II. For semen originating outside the UK (fresh, chilled or frozen)
A. Each dose of semen must be clearly labelled with:
i. The name of the stallion;
ii. The time and date on which the semen was collected;
iii. The insemination dose per mare;
iv. The progressive motility of the semen;
v. The concentration of the (extended) semen.
B. Each and every consignment of semen being imported into the UK from within the EU must be accompanied by an original, valid Intra Trade Health Certificate (ITHC), issued in the country of origin, specifying the name of the stallion whose semen the certificate relates to. In the case of chilled semen, electronic copies of the original ITHC may accompany the consignment so long as the original documentation follows. (These requirements will change following EU Exit)
C. Each and every consignment of semen being imported into the UK from outside the EU must be accompanied by a completed Common Veterinary Entry Document (CVEDA) and by an original, valid health certificate issued in the country of origin.
D. It is an option to have a shipment of chilled semen tested by PCR if there is any doubt about its status. Laboratories registered for testing by PCR are listed at: www.beva.org.uk. This does not substitute for the correct paperwork accompanying the shipment, which will still be required.
Use of artificial insemination is not permitted where the progeny is to be registered with the Weatherbys General Stud Book. However, disease spread via AI has the potential to impact on Thoroughbred breeding operations through Thoroughbred/non-Thoroughbred cross breeding.
Full details of the legal requirements for equine semen imported into the UK are available here.
