Coggins tests are an essential part of your horse's annual preventive care. Our Mount Vernon vets share some facts about Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), why Coggins testing is important for all horses, and how Coggins testing is performed.
Coggins Testing for Equine Animals
'Coggins' is the common name for an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) which is a blood test used to screen horses, donkeys, and mules for the potentially fatal disease Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA).
Equine Infectious Anemia - EIA
EIA is an infectious, potentially deadly virus that affects the immune system of animals in the Equidae family.
Animals can carry the virus without showing symptoms (asymptomatic) however many horses suffer from severe symptoms of the disease including irregular heartbeat, weakness, swollen abdomen and/or legs, high fever, anemia, abortion in pregnant mares, or even sudden death.
A herd outbreak of EIA can lead to catastrophic consequences which are why horse owners need to be diligent about testing their equine animals for the condition.
How EIA is Spread
This potentially deadly disease is transferred from one horse to another through the bite of mosquitos, deer flies, horse flies, or stable flies that have previously fed on an infected animal. This means that your horse does not have to come in contact with an infected horse to contract the disease.
Since flies are attracted to barns and other places that horses frequent, this EIA can be quickly and easily transmitted from one horse to another.
What Happens When a Horse Tests Positive for EIA Antibodies
Once a horse has been infected with the virus that causes EIA they have it for life and can transmit the disease - via fly bites - to other horses nearby (anywhere within the travel range of the flies). For this reason, horses that test positive for Equine Infectious Anemia must either be euthanized, branded, and strictly quarantined more than 200 yards away from other horses for life, or transferred to a research facility.
Why All Horses Need a Coggins Test
The seriousness of EIA combined with how easily it can be transferred between animals makes regular Coggins testing for the disease our best defense for protecting the health of horses across the country.
Since many horses carrying the virus do not exhibit symptoms of the disease, testing horses with no symptoms of EIA is essential for detecting carriers and preventing the further spread of the disease.
Coggins testing is required in both the United States and Canada when exporting horses across the border, and many states require testing to take horses across state lines.
A negative Coggins test is typically required before your horse can take part in competitions and events, and testing is highly recommended for all horses that spend time near other horses whether in fields or boarding stables.
The Coggins Testing Process
First, your veterinarian will give your horse a thorough physical examination to determine the overall health of your equine pet and to look for any signs of EIA. Your vet will complete an EIA form as they perform the examination which will include details such as your horse's coloration, marking, age, and breed, and digital images will be taken of your horse.
Next, a blood sample will be taken from your horse which will be submitted to an accredited lab for analysis along with the EIA form and the images.
Once testing is complete the lab will forward your horse's test results either directly to you, and/or to your veterinarian.
Washington State's Coggins Testing Regulations
All equines entering Washington state are required to have a certificate of veterinary inspection CVI and a negative Coggins test within 12 months.
If you are moving your equine to Washington state permanently you are required to have a valid 30-day CVI with a negative Coggins test listed on it.
Event horses moving between states can use a 6-month Extended Equine Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (EECVI) for travel in Washington. It is essential that a negative Coggins test, within 12 months, is listed on the CVI. If the Coggins test listed on your equine's EECVI expires before the CVI expires the CVI becomes invalid when the Coggins expires.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding animals, or professional advice regarding equine regulations. For an accurate diagnosis of your animal's condition, and help to navigate regulations governing the care and transportation of equine animals please make an appointment with your vet.