What is a Coggins test (for horses) and......?

The Coggins Test is a blood titer which was developed to detect the Equine Infectious Anemia virus, or EIA. It was first used in the 1940's, and was invented by Alfred Coggins, a veternarian who worked at Cornell University in Ithica, New York. EIA is a highly contagious, often fatal disease of horses which is transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes.As one of the other responders indicated, there is no cure- and the only way to control the disease is by testing for it, and destroying horses which test positive. Most states have laws which prohibit horses which test positive from being transported across the state line, and Tennessee and Ohio are no exception. The main reason for testing prior to moving a horse is to establish that the horse is in fact free of the disease, and to provide documentation which the health inspectors can look at. Most registered and sanctioned competitions ( especially those which are rated or which can claim sanctioning by the USEF, USEA, or USDF, as well as international events which are sanctioned by the FEI) will REQUIRE proof of a negative Coggins test within one year of the date of competition, or the horse will be barred from entering the grounds for health reasons.

The average Coggins test costs anywhere from $30 to $50, and basically what the vet will do is take a blood sample. He or she will then send that sample with the horse's name and other information ( such as color, breed, age, gender, and body markings or scars) to the testing lab. Results of a Coggins are usually available within one week after testing in most cases- although if a horse tests positive, your vet will be notified of this within 24 hours, and you will be asked what your wishes are with regard to euthanasia and disposal of the animal. Keep in mind that the state veternarian has the authority to order animals infected with or which test positive for EIA destroyed in most states- and until this happens, quarantine procedures will be mandatory to prevent the spread of the disease to other horses.

A Coggins test is a wise investment- and knowing that your horse is free of disease will give you some peace of mind. Good luck with your move.

Coggins Test

The coggins test tests for EIA, or "Equine Infectious Anemia". It is a viral disease that is HIGHLY contagious. Although often infected horses do not die, they will remain carriers, and must be isolated for the rest of their life. There is no cure.

In a coggins test they draw some blood to test for EIA. It is required at basically every recognized show, in many states to transport, and most barns will require you present it. Around here it costs $20-$40, but I would assume that varies by region. It takes about 2 weeks to process, so don't have the vet draw blood to test the day before a show.

It is often transmitted by biting horse flies, sadly. So even if your horse didn't directly come in contact with an infected horse, they could get it. This is why your horse needs YEARLY tests done. You do not need one before every show. For instance, if you get one done in Sept 2009, that will be valid until Sept 2010, and for any shows inbetween.

Horses that test positive can either be put down, or put in lifelong, complete quarentine. You can't ride them, anything. You can see why the equine community is so hard on this disease.

Dr. Leroy Coggins in 1970. Not Alfred in the 1940's

I also asked this same question four times, and haven't got a proper answer

Yeah it's possible