Why a coggins test

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Non-necessary Non-necessary. Requirements vary from state to state , with some requiring the test drawn in the past 12 months, 6 months, or in the case of Wisconsin, calendar year. As of July, , Michigan law requires a negative Coggins test drawn in the past 12 months for animals traveling to public events including shows, sales or exhibitions, as well as animals sold which require a change in location. By knowing where positive horses are located, public health officials can prevent the spread of EIA and reduce potential impact to the entire industry.

Once positive horses are identified and separated from others the transmission of EIA ceases. Hence, regular testing is a responsible part of horse ownership for the greater good. This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. Equine Infectious Anemia: The ramifications of a positive test.

Did you find this article useful? Virus spread can also occur through blood-contaminated needles or surgical instruments. There have been some cases of EIA when blood products, such as plasma, were obtained from an infected horse and administered to others. Clinical signs of EIA include fever, lethargy, edema, and not eating. Some infected horses may die, but most will become chronic asymptomatic carriers of the virus. Asymptomatic carriers recover and show no clinical signs of EIA unless the virus mutates or the horse becomes immunosuppressed.

Asymptomatic carriers are the reservoir of EIA infection because they remain infected for life and may periodically have sufficient viral loads in their blood to infect other horses if they are bitten by horseflies or deerflies and those flies feed on another horse. Negative Coggins tests are required for certificates of veterinary inspection and whenever horses are comingled, such as at racetracks, shows, and trail rides to prevent the possible spread of EIA.