Equine Medical Center of Ocala

COMMITTED TO THE HEALTH OF HORSES

Our reputation stems from our unwavering commitment to quality, both in the care of horses and in our relationship with clients and community.

Equine Information

  • Neonatal Isoerythrolysis: An Ounce of Prevention

    The laboratory at the Equine Medical Center of Ocala is one of few laboratories in the Southeast United States that performs the screening test for Neonatal Isoerythrolysis.


  • Coggins and Health Certificates

    The Coggins Test is documented proof that your horse is negative for equine infectious anemia (EIA). It is required to accompany a Health Certificate when shipping your horse from state to state, and when shipping to certain events and facilities within your home state.


  • IRAP

    “IRAP” or Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein (IRAP) is an exciting new articular therapy available at our hospital.


  • Stem Cell Therapy

    Equine Medical Center of Ocala is proud to be a registered facility for the use of stem cell technology.


Equine Events



  • Florida Horse Park Event

    The Florida Horse Park is up and running and has big plans for the future. Please see their website for current shows and events: www.flhorsepark.com


  • Sales Dates

    Ocala Breeders Sales holds the market for thoroughbred live auctions in Ocala. Please see their website for current sales and catalogue information: www.obssales.com


Coggins and Health Certificates

The Coggins Test is documented proof that your horse is negative for equine infectious anemia (EIA). It is required to accompany a Health Certificate when shipping your horse from state to state, and when shipping to certain events and facilities within your home state.

EQUINE MEDICAL CENTER OF OCALA

EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW

ABOUT COGGINS AND HEALTH CERTIFICATES
Nina Ubide, Senior Surgery Nurse
August 26, 2011

FIRST THE COGGINS:

Who needs one?

Every horse in your herd.

 

What is it?

It is a blood test that checks for antibodies to equine infectious anemia (EIA), a disease that affects horses worldwide.  It is a viral disease that has no cure or vaccine for prevention. EIA is infectious and nearly always causes a fatal anemia in horses.  The drawn blood sample is sent to a lab for testing of the EIA antibodies. 

How often do you need one?

At least once a year in Florida, and every 6 months in a few states (California for example).  When shipping your horse out of state, it is important to check the requirements of your destination state.  The exception to the rule would be if your horse is going to a public auction.  The auction company may require a Coggins as current as 6 months prior to the date of the auction.

Why is it necessary?

 

Simply put, it is mandated by the federal government.  It is documented proof that your horse is negative for equine infectious anemia (EIA).  It is required to accompany a health certificate when shipping your horse from state to state, and when shipping to certain events and facilities within your home state.

How much does the test cost?

 

An AGID Coggins test is the usual test performed; it costs $26.00 and it takes 24 hours to complete.  An ELISA Coggins is also available but rarely performed, it costs $125.00 and is available in 2 hours after submission.  PLEASE BE ADVISED, when exporting your horses out of the USA, certain countries do not recognize an ELISA Coggins. 

Now that I know what it is, what do I do with it?

 

Keep a file of your horse’s Coggins, as they are needed each time a health certificate is written.  It is your responsibility to supply a current (drawn within 6 to 12 months) Coggins to the veterinarian writing the health certificate.  The file will also help keep track of the expiration dates.

                                                                                                                                  
AND NOW THE HEALTH CERTIFICATE:

 

Who needs one?

In state; any horse traveling to a race track and certain other events.  Out-of-state; all horses.  Out of Country; all horses.  A special health certificate is required for out of country travel.  Please contact the clinic directly.

 

What is it?

A federal document requiring your veterinarian to fill with information they collect from the Coggins test and a physical exam performed on each horse listed on the form.

 

How often do I need one?

A health Certificate is only valid for thirty days from the time it is written and only valid for the destination for which it was originally written. 

 

Why is it necessary?

It is a mandatory requirement of equine travel as stipulated by the federal government.  Agricultural stations at state borders can prevent horses from entering their state if current Coggins and health certificates are not available for review. 

 

How much does a health certificate cost?

A health certificate costs $15.00 for one horse and $5.00 for each horse added, with one form holding up to 10 horses.

 

Now that I have it what do I do with it?

Health certificates should be kept in a file to keep them legible and should be discarded after thirty days.

© 2009 Equine Medical Center of Ocala