If you have taken your horse across state lines to a boarding facility or to a competition or event, you must carry a negative Coggins test result with you.
Think of your horse’s Coggins test like a driver’s license: you need it to go anywhere.
The equine Coggins test has been used in the United States since the early 1970s to detect whether horses are carriers of equine infectious anemia. This federally regulated surveillance program was established to prevent outbreaks of the deadly virus in horse populations. True positives have been significantly reduced over the past few decades, Less than 0.01% per year.
Here’s what you need to know about the Coggins test:
What is the Coggins Test in Horses?
The Coggins test will ensure that your horse is not a carrier of Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), which is a common illness that causes fever, Symptoms include anemia, weight loss, and other symptoms. There is no treatment or cure for EIA.
EIA spreads rapidly to nearby horses through fly bites and dirty equipment (such as needles). The infection can be fatal and there is no known cure. Horses can be latent carriers of the virus, meaning they show no outward signs of illness but can be infectious and pose a risk to other horses.
Although EIA is less common than it once was, with close surveillance, it is recommended that all horses be tested annually for the disease. Horses that test positive for EIA should be quarantined at least 200 yards away from other horses for the rest of their lives to minimize the chance of an outbreak. If they are not, they may be humanely euthanized.
Why do horses need the Coggins test?
Think of your horse’s Coggins test like a driver’s license: you need it to go anywhere.
Horses must have a valid negative Coggins test result and health certificate to travel across state lines. Most boarding facilities, shows, state parks and events also require a negative Coggins test result to house horses on their premises.
How does the Coggins test work in horses?
The veterinarian takes a small amount of blood from the horse and then United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)or Veterinary Services (VS).
Coggins test documentation can be handwritten or digital. Handwritten documentation includes a physical description and a rough drawing of the horse. Digital Coggins documentation includes a photograph of the horse.
Two main analytical methods are used to perform the Coggins test on blood samples.
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AGID (agar gel immunodiffusion): Blood is used to test for the presence of antibodies corresponding to the EIA virus particles. Horses do not have these antibodies unless they are infected with the virus. This test takes about 24 hours.
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ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)The test takes less than an hour, but the method has low specificity and sensitivity, meaning there is a chance of false positive results.If a horse’s ELISA is positive, a second test by AGID will confirm whether the horse is truly infected with EIA.
Cost of a Coggins Test for Horses
Customer fees for equine Coggins testing range from $20 to $70, but vary by region and laboratory, and laboratories often charge an additional fee per sample/test batch, known as a contract fee.
Fees, shipping costs, and the veterinarian’s time and skill are all included in the client’s cost of this regulatory inspection.
Preparing for the Coggins test in horses
Make sure your horse has good ground manners in preparation for the vet visit, and because the Coggins test requires a blood draw, your horse should be okay with people handling him and touching his neck.
If your horse is afraid of needles, you can practice at home with positive reinforcement using cookies or words of praise while gently poking, scratching or pinching the jugular groove in your horse’s neck with your fingers. The jugular groove is a very large groove that runs from under the chin down to the shoulder.
Clicker Training It is also a useful method for positive reinforcement training in preparation for blood collection.
It is also important that the horse is clean so that the photograph is accurate.
How long does it take to get results from my horse’s Coggins test?
If your veterinarian’s practice is an accredited laboratory, they can receive ELISA Coggins test results the same day. Once blood has been shipped, pet owners can usually receive test results within 3-7 days (depending on shipping, day of the week, laboratory hours, etc.).
It is important to plan any events you have with your horse well in advance so that the proper paperwork is received in time. The Coggins test is valid for one year, so keep this date in mind when scheduling shows and travel for the season.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Coggins Test in Horses
What happens if a horse tests positive for Coggins Disease?
If the horse’s ELISA test is positive, a second test using the AGID method is required and, if this result is also positive, state authorities must be notified.
How long is the Coggins test valid for?
Each Coggins test is valid for one year.
