A Coggins test is a simple blood test that is used to help prevent the spread of Equine Infectious Anemia. It is sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Equine Infectious Anemia is viral disease that can be deadly. Unfortunately there is no vaccine or cure for it. If a patient survives the disease, they will always carry it and may become sick again if they are stressed. Some horses just seem to be carriers, never getting sick themselves.
Because some horses seem to carry the disease without showing symptoms, the best prevention is to test for it. Anytime you get a new horse or introduce a new horse into your herd, you should test the horse to make sure it doesn’t have the disease so your horses don’t get it.
It is also important for horses that travel frequently to be tested regularly. Many shows and other places where horses travel recommend or require that all horses be tested to prevent the spread of this deadly disease.
Equine Infectious Anemia used to be the cause of death for many horses. However, now that we offer Coggins testing and especially since it is required for most horses that travel, we have prevented a lot of unnecessary deaths.
If you have any questions about the Coggins test or Equine Infectious Anemia, feel free to contact us today at (970) 361-3337.