04/12/2021
WAGONS HO…BUT FIRST…..
Now that the world is beginning to open up and travel is safer, many of you are going to want to load up the horse and travel OR even relocate from California. But before you do…your horses will need a health certificate and negative coggins test to get across state lines. Goats, pigs and other animals require a health certificate too, but for this post, I am just going to concentrate on horses.
So what is a coggins test? A coggins test is a blood test that checks for EIA or Equine Infectious Anemia which is a potentially fatal blood-borne infectious viral disease. It was quite prevalent at one time hence the test to make sure problem doesn’t rear its ugly head.
In most cases, the coggins results are good for a year, so the results can cover you through multiple trips for that amount of time. This is not a hard and fast rule, some states like Oregon for example only recognize coggins for 6 months. Also, a handful of states require a permit number for entry, our office can tell you if you are traveling to a state with this additional requirement. A good resource to check out exactly what you’ll need to travel is https://www.aphis.usda.gov
A health certificate has vital information including the coggins results to help make sure horses are carrying something nasty to their destination. Though, not 100% fail proof, it does help keep track of horses on the move. Many times, the certificate will be required by barns, shows or other events. A health certificate lasts for 30 days so you will need one each time you travel outside of that window and/or to a different end destination.
So….if planning to travel, be sure not to forget these documents. Results of a coggins usually take 2-4 business days. There is an overnight test, but it is more expensive and who needs the stress, right? So be sure to make an appointment for a blood draw and exam about a week to week and a half from your travel date….especially in the spring when the doctors are extremely busy.
When the doctor comes out, he’ll pull blood and ask for required information and in some cases will take 3 photos (mug shots) of your horse. Be prepared to give the following:
- Your name, address, phone and email
- If different from your home, the address when the horse is located
- Name, address and phone number of where the horse is going
- Hauler name, address and phone number if you are not hauling yourself
- Horse’s name, breed, gender and age
- THE DATE YOU WILL BE LEAVING – the paperwork cannot be completed without this bit of information.
Once completed, you will receive a hard copy of the health certificate and coggins results which MUST accompany your horse (s).
Happy Traveling!
