PA now requiring EIA Testing

PA now requires EIA Testing 

Pennsylvania is now requiring a current test (within 12 months) for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), also known as a “Coggins” test, for all equines in the state 6 months of age or older that are “exhibited, shown, sold, exchanged, transferred, leased, bartered or given away”.  

Any equine found in PA that violates this order shall be returned to the premises of origin until all EIA testing requirements are met. If the equid cannot be returned to the premises of origin, it shall be quarantined at a location chosen by the PA Department of Agriculture.  

EIA is an extremely infectious disease with no vaccination and no cure. EIA is historically transmitted by blood-feeding insects such as horse flies, deer flies, and mosquitos, but can also be transmitted by sharing needles between animals. Clinical signs of EIA are fever, weight loss, anemia, swelling of the limbs, and weakness. Not all equines with EIA will show symptoms, which means they may look healthy but can still pass the disease on, this is why testing is so important.  

Should there be an EIA outbreak in the United States, it could be devastating to the local and national herd. It is important that all owners take precautions by testing their horses for EIA annually and following good biosecurity protocols when bringing their horses to events, including but not limited to group trail rides, rodeos, parades, horse shows, and more.  

For questions regarding the new PA regulation, contact the PA Department of Agriculture: https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/