Equine infectious anemia is often confirmed by serology. The two most commonly used serologic tests are the agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID), commonly known as the “Coggins” test, and the enzyme-link immunosorbent assay (ELISA). for EIA.

What is an Elisa test in horses?

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was developed for the detection of specific antibodies against the unique infectious anemia (EIA) virus in equine sera. The ELISA test was faster and more sensitive when compared with the classic test of agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID).

What type of test is the Coggins test?

A Coggins test is a blood test identifying if a horse is a carrier of Equine Infectious Anemia, a viral disease found in horses. A negative Coggins test is required for all travel between states and at most equine facilities.

What does the Coggins test check for in horses?

The Coggins Test is the diagnostic tool for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), a disease with no vaccine or cure. Also known as swamp fever, malacial fever, and mountain fever, the death rate of infected equidae (horses, ponies, mules and donkeys, and zebras) ranges from 30-70%.

What percentage of horses test positive for Coggins?

Since routine testing was introduced in 1973, the numbers have declined to 0.2% of horses testing positive. In the past, EIA was often transmitted from horse to horse through human intervention, with dirty needles or surgical instruments.

What are the symptoms of a horse with Coggins?

Equine Infectious Anemia (Coggins’ Disease)

• high fever.
• labored breathing.
• pounding heartbeat and exhaustion.
• anemia.

How many horses test positive for Coggins?

This disease remains active, at low levels, within the US horse population. Prior to introduction of routine testing, 3 in every 100 horses were positive for EIA. Since routine testing was introduced in 1973, the numbers have declined to 0.2% of horses testing positive.

How long does it take to run a Coggins test?

Results of the Coggins test take approximately 5 business days. You can rush a Coggins test and have results by the next business day but a “rush fee” is added by the laboratory responsible for running the Coggins test. 4. Coggins tests are good for 6 months.

Is EIA contagious?

Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is a contagious viral disease that affects horses worldwide. EIA is a disease of all equidae. Other livestock are not known to be affected by this virus. EIA is also known as swamp fever because of the higher incidence of this disease in the Gulf Coast states.

How to do a Coggins test on a horse?

To perform a Coggins test, a licensed veterinarian must draw blood from your horse and send it to an accredited lab for analysis. The lab will conduct a test to detect the EIA antibody (a protein that allows the body to recognize the EIA virus; this will only be present if the horse has had the EIA virus).

What is the Coggins test for equine infectious anemia?

Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) Introduction: In 1970 an agar-gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test, the Coggins test, capable of detecting in-apparent virus carriers. This test, along with improved knowledge about EIAV transmission, has made effective control of the infection among horse populations a reality.

How to test for EIA in horses?

Performing a Coggins Test To perform a Coggins test, a licensed veterinarian must draw blood from your horse and send it to an accredited lab for analysis. The lab will conduct a test to detect the EIA antibody (a protein that allows the body to recognize the EIA virus; this will only be present if the horse has had the EIA virus).

Do I need a negative Coggins test to cross the state line?

Currently, all states require proof of a negative Coggins test for horses crossing a state line. For Pennsylvania, it is required that all horses entering the Commonwealth be accompanied by a negative Coggins from within 12 months prior to requested date of entry.