Taylorella equigenitalis's distribution and habitat are primarily in the urethral fossa, distal urethra, prepuce, free-part of the penis of stallions and the clitoral fossa or sinus of mares.[6] Canada and the USA are T. equigenitalis free, compared to other countries like those in Europe.[7][2] Infected stallions are asymptomatic and act as the principal source of infection for mares during mating, and their carrier status may persist for many months or even years. A mare that becomes infected normally has recognizable signs unless asymptomatic, contributing to the spread of disease.[8] A symptomatic mare can be identified by the mucus and pus being expelled from her vagina; CEM mares experience an inflamed endometrium causing low fertility and if pregnant a high probability for abortion in the first trimester.[8]
Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the disease are crucial to managing T. equigenitalis. Diagnosis is best done on chocolate agar or by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with a sample from the urethral or clitoral fossa.[7][9] Treatment includes disinfecting the external genital areas with 4% chlorhexidine as well as starting an antibiotic such as ampicillin.[7][9] Prevention involves testing of new horses brought into the breeding herd, as well as isolation of horses entering T. equigenitalis free countries.[9]Taylorella equigenitalis can have detrimental effects on the equine industry both clinically and economically due to the infertility it causes and the impact on import and export of equine genetics.[9][10]