Coggins tests are an essential part of your horse's annual preventive care. Our Poulsbo 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.
It is possible for animals to 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 is why it is essential for horse owners 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 in order 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 infected with the virus that causes EIA, a horse is infected for life and can spread the disease to other horses nearby via fly bites (anywhere within the travel range of the flies). As a result, horses that test positive for Equine Infectious Anemia must be euthanized, branded, and quarantined for life more than 200 yards away from other horses, 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.
Because many horses carrying the virus do not show symptoms of the disease, testing horses with no symptoms of EIA is critical for detecting carriers and preventing the disease from spreading further.
Coggins testing is required in both the United States and Canada when exporting horses across the border, and many states require testing in order 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 partner 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 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.