What is a Coggins? And Why Should You Care?

A negative coggins test is required to take your horse on fun endurance trail rides.

A Coggins is actually a test. Every year along with your annual vaccinations your horse should receive a Coggins test. This test draws blood which is examined for the disease Equine Infectious Anemia. Your vet will then give you a health certificate stating the results.

What is Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA)?

EIA is a disease that affects horses, donkeys, and mules. This virus, also known as Swamp Fever, can cause death or lifelong side effects. It is spread by biting insects.

Sadly, Equine Infectious Anemia does not have a cure or a vaccine. Prevention is the best answer and this is why we test horses annually.

EIA is spread by biting insects such as mosquitos, deer, and horseflies. It can be spread by infected surgical equipment or by reusing needles and syringes on multiple horses. Additionally, it can spread from an infected mother to her fetus.

The disease actually is short-lived in the insect vector however, during that time they can spread between horses in the same barn or pasture.

Equine Infectious Anemia is an immune deficiency disease that causes weakness, fever, fatigue, edema (swelling), and loss of appetite. Many horses who contract the disease die or must be euthanized.

A horse may be an asymptomatic carrier which means they have the disease but do not show symptoms. An asymptomatic carrier can still spread the disease to other horses. Horses that are carriers and are not euthanized must remain in strict isolation.

Three Phases

EIA manifests in three different phases: acute, chronic, and inapparent although not all horse go through each phase.

During the acute stage, infected horses may display symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including fever, depression, loss of appetite, anemia, and swelling.

This is followed by a chronic phase wherein the horse may show intermittent bouts of illness or seemingly recover completely but remain carriers of the virus.

Lastly, some equines may become inapparent carriers, showing no visible symptoms, but still spreading the infection to other susceptible animals.

What Is A Coggins Test?

Your veterinarian will take a blood sample which is then tested in an approved laboratory for antibodies. The diagnosis of EIA requires identifying antibodies against the virus in the horse's blood.

Along with the blood draw the vet must fill out Coggins's paperwork. The paperwork involves writing down identifying information about the horse. This paperwork must be presented to officials when you travel with your animal.

A negative test means your horse does not have EIA.

A positive test means your horse is carrying the disease.

Due to the absence of a cure, infected animals are usually required to be euthanized or permanently isolated to prevent further transmission. Effective biosecurity measures are essential for preventing the spread of this disease within equine populations.

In many countries, regular Coggins testing is mandatory, where blood samples are examined to detect EIA antibodies and determine the infection status. Positive cases are reported to local veterinary authorities, and strict regulations are enforced to control the spread of the disease.

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Why Do You Need A Coggins Test?

First and foremost you need a test to make sure that your horse does not have the virus. You also need to make sure that your horse will not affect other horses that you come in contact with.

Getting a Coggins is just part of being a responsible horse owner.

In addition, most shows, racetracks, boarding facilities, and other horse events will not allow your horse on the premises without a negative Coggins test. The Coggins paperwork is required by law whenever you travel with your horse and especially if you cross state lines.

We require all horses that come in for training to have a current Negative Coggins to protect all horses at our facility.

In conclusion, Equine Infectious Anemia is a viral disease that poses a grave risk to the equine population worldwide. Its ability to spread silently and persist demands a proactive approach to prevention and control. Ensuring regular testing, maintaining biosecurity measures, and adhering to safety guidelines are important for safeguarding the health and well-being of our horses.

To combat EIA effectively, veterinarians, horse owners, and regulatory bodies must work collaboratively. Routine testing, vaccinations against insect vectors, and strict biosecurity protocols are vital to protecting the equine community from this silent threat.

Want to Learn More about equine nutrition and how your horse can reach their potential?

Give Susan a call and she will be happy to answer your questions about our nutritional supplements, training, or lessons.

Ame Vanorio, is an Author, horse lover, and director of Fox Run Environmental Education Center.