COGGINS

Thank you for allowing Apple Grove Veterinary Care to handle your Coggins testing. Not only has the state of Michigan continued to mandate this test for any horse traveling or being sold, but they have also become more stringent about having accurate and specific information on the paperwork.

What is a Coggins test?
The Coggins Test is a blood test that checks for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) antibodies in a horse's blood. It is used to diagnose a contagious disease that affects horses worldwide. EIA is a highly contagious disease that is caused by a virus similar to HIV in humans but not contagious to humans. The viral disease infects horses, ponies, mules and donkeys. Once infected, the animal is infected for life. There is no effective vaccine and no known cure. EIA is transmitted by blood-feeding insects such as deerflies or horseflies. EIA has no cure and a positive horse may not show signs of the disease. The U.S. Department of Agriculture made the Coggins Test the official test for EIA in 1973.

A Coggins test is valid from January to December of the current calendar year regardless of whether you have your horse tested the first of January or the thirty-first of December. It is to prove to others your horse is safe to be around their horses.

Your horse will need a Coggins Test completed if…

• You will be traveling within the state of Michigan or crossing state lines with the horse.
• You are selling or trading the horse.
• You plan to take the horse to any shows or training facilities.
• You are moving the horse from one location to another.
• You are selling the horse at an auction.

Coggins Testing Procedure
A federally accredited veterinarian fills out a form that positively identifies a horse. Blood samples are drawn and sent to an accredited state laboratory. If the test is negative the owner receives a certificate stating the Coggins Test results.

Before you travel, check to see how recent a test is required because it differs from place to place.

To ensure the accuracy of your paperwork, please call our office with the following information or fill out the Coggins Worksheet and have it ready for the veterinarian at the time of your Farm Call or In-Clinic appointment. It is important that all areas be filled out completely. Completing the Coggins Worksheet will expedite your results and ensure accuracy of the Coggins Form.

Once the blood has been submitted to the state lab, we are NOT able to make changes to the form. If changes need to be made, we will need to redraw the sample and resubmit.

Please use the following information to help you complete the worksheet…

• Name and Address of Stable/Market - Full name of Stable or Stable owner and address including county and phone number or full name of Market or Auction the horse will be sold from.
• Name and Address of Owner - Full name and address of primary owner, including county and phone number. Can be typed as Owner c/o Trainer Name if trainer will be shipping or showing. Coggins form will be mailed to this address by the state.
• Tattoo/Brand - If applicable, draw tattoo or brand and indicate location.
• Name of horse - Provide barn name and/or registered name if available.
• Color - List all visible colors on horse.
• Breed - List registered breed or "Grade".
• I.D. Number - Include the registration number if horse is registered. This area can also contain microchip identification information.
• Age - List age to the nearest month or year or date of birth if known.
• Sex - Female, male or gelding (note- the state asks for female, not "mare"). Horses marked "M" will be marked as a male. M-Male F-Female G-Gelding
• Drawings - Please draw in any markings (head, legs, or body) that are present on your horse. Be sure the drawing shows markings as viewed on the right and the left side of the horse. Also, please draw any scars, tattoos, or brands present in the corresponding location.