New Va. horse anemia test rule effective March 2

Posted to: News Virginia
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The Associated Press
© February 17, 2011

RICHMOND

Horse owners particpating in shows, fairs, races or other gatherings in Virginia will soon have to carry papers showing that their animals aren't infected with equine infectious anemia.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said Tuesday that the updated regulation takes effect March 2 and applies to any activity where horses with different owners could come into contact with each other.

Owners who don't have valid test reports showing their horses tested negatively for the disease can be charged with a misdemeanor.

Virginia state veterinarian Richard Wilkes says a horse that has equine infectious anemia is infected for life and becomes a carrier for the disease.

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Another law with zero

Submitted by JoeSurry on Thu, 02/17/2011 at 7:14 am.

Another law with zero enforcement, I thought it was illegal to even transport a horse without coggins, I also have never heard of an event that didnt require it. Of course none of these events ever actually check.

Reply to Mr. 0 Enforcement

Submitted by Critter Queen on Thu, 02/17/2011 at 11:07 pm.

Equine infectious anemia IS the Coggins test. It is usually a requirement of most equine event holders but has NOT been a law in VA yet. If you've been to an event that did NOT check then as a good horse owner you should just turn your rig around & high tailed it out of there. All the organized trail rides I've been on have checked. I know this cause I'm usually the volunteer who IS doing the checking. As a responsible horse owner myself I would not stay at an event that doesn't check. Happy Trails!