Coggins Test Now Valid for Twelve Months for All Equine Activities

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture recently established rules allowing Coggins test results to remain valid for 12 months for all equine activities. Previous rules required tests every six months for change of ownership. The Coggins test checks horses for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), a viral disease of horses and other equine that is transmitted through insect bites.

 

Although we are seeing less occurrence of the disease, EIA is still a serious threat to Tennessee’s horse population, and we will continue efforts to monitor for and to control the disease,” said State Veterinarian Charles Hatcher. “Horse owners should be vigilant for signs of the disease and test their horses on an annual basis.”

 

No vaccine or treatment exists for the disease, and it is often difficult to differentiate from other fever-producing diseases, including anthrax, influenza and equine encephalitis. In many cases symptoms are not apparent, but can include fever, lethargy and weight loss. 

 

Once infected with EIA, a horse remains infected throughout its lifetime and can serve as a reservoir for transmission to other horses. Through disease testing and surveillance, Tennessee normally experiences a low incidence of EIA each year. A Coggins test is required in order to participate in shows, sales, trail rides or similar events where equine are gathered.

 

In the 2007 Census of Agriculture by USDA NASS, Tennessee ranked 6^th in the nation in number of horses at more than 142,000.

 

For more information on EIA or the Coggins test, visit www.TN.gov/agriculture or call the State Veterinarian’s office at 615-837-5120.