What health test is required to enter most equine facilities or events?

Coggins testing is a health test specifically required to detect the presence of equine infectious anemia (EIA) in horses, a viral disease that can have serious implications for both individual horses and the larger equine population. Since EIA is highly contagious and can spread through blood-sucking insects, many equine facilities and events mandate a current Coggins test to ensure that participating horses are not infected and do not pose a risk to others.

When horses are transported to shows, exhibitions, or other events, a Coggins test performed within a specified time frame (usually within the last 12 months) is often necessary to comply with regulations set by facility owners and show organizers. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy and safe environment for all equines involved in these activities.

While vaccination records are also important for demonstrating the horse's health status, they typically address other diseases, but may not specifically cover EIA. A health certificate indicates an overall assessment of the horse's health, but Coggins testing is specifically aimed at preventing the spread of EIA, hence its particular requirement in these situations.