What is a Coggins Test?

The Coggins test is a test for Equine Infectious Anemia, or EIA.  This is a deadly infectious disease of horses.  Click here for more information from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The Coggins test is a blood test done on horses yearly. The owner receives, usually via email, a certificate that the horse tested negative for EIA. The certificate must accompany the horse anytime he/she leaves the property, including going to shows.

A Certificate of Veterinarian Inspection (CVI) is a document ensuring a horse has recently been evaluated by a veterinarian for signs of illness. A CVI is required for some travel and helps reduce disease spread by stopping transport of sick horses. Maryland CVI requirements are below; the document is not required for horses from Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia

The state of Maryland has specific regulations regarding EIA – click here for the regulations (downloads a PDF file).

MARYLAND FAIR AND SHOW REQUIREMENTS: HORSES, PONIES, MULES, AND OTHER EQUIDAE

June 1, 2025

All Equine:

  • Identification: Individual official identification shall include the following as applicable: Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) test report with photo or drawing of the animal, tattoo, brand, or microchip. Animals using tattoos or brands for official identification must be accompanied by the breed registration papers.
  • Equine Infectious Anemia (Coggins) Testing: All equine for exhibition shall be accompanied by a valid Coggins Test done within 12 months prior to exhibition entry.
  • Self-Certification Requirement and Exemption: Exhibitor’s Self Certification of Animal Health is required for each equine entering a fair/show-type event where multiple livestock species are present. The form must be available for inspection if requested. Those participating in equine-only shows and events are exempt from this requirement; however, it is good practice to thoroughly double check the health and skin condition of the animal before departing for the event. The form provides an easy checklist to do this. Exhibitors may not bring an animal having apparent or known signs of a contagious or infectious disease to a show.

Maryland Equine:

  • All horses and other equidae, 9 months of age and older, shall be accompanied by a negative test for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) within the 12 months before the date of the event. A copy of this test shall accompany every animal.
  • A Maryland CVI is not required for Maryland equine.

Out-of-State Equine:

  • All horses and other equidae, 9 months of age and older, shall be accompanied by a negative test for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) within the 12 months before the date of the event. A copy of this test shall accompany every animal.
  • All horses and other equidae shall be accompanied by a CVI issued within 30 days prior to entry. An Interstate CVI must be legible, made on an official form from the state of origin, issued by an accredited veterinarian, and issued for animals being imported to this state within 30 days before the entry of the animals, which shows that the animals listed thereon meet the health requirements of the state of Maryland.
  • The following contiguous states and New Jersey are exempted from the CVI requirement: Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

What does this mean for FADS shows?  All FADS shows require a copy of a negative Coggins test within 12 months of the show date.  If such a test result is not available, the horse must be removed from the show grounds immediately and therefore may not participate in the show.  This is considered a scratch; therefore, any unpaid ride fees still must be paid.