[Pro]

We are going to breed our mare Dixie this spring for the second time. The stallion is a Morgan and he has never been offered to the public because he is only 3. The owner of the stud is requesting a coggins test. I've talked to a few people around here with some top performance stallions, and they think its crazy to ask for this. I'm unfamiliar with a coggins test as I never cross the boarder with my horses. Any information and/or thoughts on this would be a big help.

 

[Lonestar22]

The Coggins test checks for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). EIA is not curable and often leads to death. It is spread by horseflies so if your horse has been bitten by a horsefly that has recently bitten an infected horse, your horse could get EIA. Many horses don't show symptoms and look perfectly healthy, yet still carry the virus. Coggins test are required at shows and trail rides, so why would the breeder not want one? He is putting his horse at risk by not asking for one. Anytime your horse is going to be around other strange horses, it should be required that a current coggins is in hand. It can save your horses life.

 

[QHDragon]

Coggins are kind of controversial, I think it is not out of the ordinary to ask for a coggins before the horse is moved, most board barns ask for it before you bring a new horse, and shows require that you have a current year negative coggins, however it is only good the day it is drawn.

 

[iridehorses]

A coggins is a mandatory requirement at every horse show; public trail; organized trailride; most, if not all boarding stables; auctions; crossing any state line; etc. that I'm aware of. Every breeder that I know requires it and it is only valid for 1 year. Every spring I have my vet out to give shots and pull blood.

The controversy around it's significance is, as QHDragon said, that it is really only good on the day it's pulled since a horse can become affected moments after their blood is drawn.

 

[churumbeque]

I think by law if you cross state lines you have to have one. You mentioned in your post that you were crossing a state line that you called a border.

 

[Pro]

Thanks everyone.

Churumbeque I said "I'm unfamiliar with a coggins test as I *never* cross the boarder with my horses." I was asking about a breeder requiring one.
Sorry if I was unclear.

 

[justsambam08]

I'm assuming that you're shipping your mare for a live cover....in this case I think its perfectly reasonable. They will be housing your mare while she is bred, and don't want any of their horses at risk. If they're simply shipping semen to you, I would think thats a little wierd.

 

[sillybunny11486]

She should be asking for all your horses vet records as well as a coggins. Any you should be asking for hers.

If you've bred you mare before I would get the vet to make sure she dosent have any STDs.

We have coggins drawn every year, no matter what. If you horse test positive I think you have to wait, have the barn quaranteened and do a retest, If its still positive you have to put the horse down.

 

[dressagebelle]

Around here, I've never heard of anyone needing a coggins unless they are coming from out of state. When we move horses from one boarding barn to another, they just need the current health record, make sure the horse is updated on shots, and wormed, and overall healthy. Same with all the shows I've done. And I did do a show at an international equestrian center in my area, and they didn't ask for a coggins. But I don't think that its unreasonable for the stallions owner to want to take as many precautions as possible.

 

[Pro]

Thanks everyone for your help. It's just new to me because I've done lots with my horses including breeding, small shows and kept my horses at different barns and it's never been required anywhere around here.

 

[iridehorses]

BTW, where is "around here"?

 

[Pro]

Somewhere in Canada, I'm not comfortable sharing through the Internet!

 

[rangergirl56m]

My horses get their coggins done every year. As far as I am aware it is legally required to cross state lines & you won't be able to show or compete without it. A coggins test doest cost very much, I think mine were $40 back in NY when I was moving to KS. Also, when I checked with the states between NY & KS(PA,OH, IL, IN, Missouri...not sure what the abberviation is for that lol), I had to have an additional set of shipping papers for the horses. They had to have a exam within 30 days of the trip and the paper was signed by the vet saying they were healthy.

Anyway, I would say just get the coggins & be on the safe side, and no I don't consider it strange at all that they want to see the coggins.

 

[iridehorses]

Somewhere in Canada, I'm not comfortable sharing through the Internet!

I understand. The only reason I asked is that there are different laws and regulations in different states and countries. What is normal in the US may not be normal north of our border so when you ask a question like that it is helpful to know where you are.

 

[CheyAut]

Here in Az coggins isnt't required at all (except crossing state lines) although I have heard of at least one stallion owner require it to breed to their stallions.

 

[tealamutt]

She should be asking for all your horses vet records as well as a coggins. Any you should be asking for hers.

If you've bred you mare before I would get the vet to make sure she dosent have any STDs.

We have coggins drawn every year, no matter what. If you horse test positive I think you have to wait, have the barn quaranteened and do a retest, If its still positive you have to put the horse down.

it is a state by state dictation as to whether there is a mandatory euthanasia.