What Is EIA Testing?

Horses in the southeast portion of the country are most vulnerable to EIA disease.

Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is a viral disease found in horses. The virus spreads through blood-sucking insects such as horseflies, deer flies, mosquitoes and gnats.

The Coggins Test

The Coggins Test is a common way to determine if equine have EIA. The test, sometimes required by the owners of horses, requires an accredited veterinarian to draw blood from the horse and submit it to an approved lab for an analysis

When Testing Is Required

Equines require testing if they will enter competition, be moved interstate, change ownership or if entering horse auctions or sales markets. A negative test result no more than 12 months prior is necessary when the equine is moved interstate or changing ownership.

Options When A Horse Tests Positive

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, equine that test positive for EIA must be euthanized, slaughtered, or branded and quarantined from other horses. If the owner chooses to quarantine the equine they can return it to the property it came from as long as it remains isolated from equine free of the disease.

References

• Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service: Equine Infectious Anemia
• North Dakota State University Agriculture: Equine Infectious Anemia
• United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: Equine Infectious Anemia: Uniform Methods and Rules

Resources

• Veterinary Partner: Coggins Test For EIA In Horses