USDA/APHIS Veterinary Services has released a new guidance document, VS Guidance 15201.1-Approval of Laboratories to Conduct Tests for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), for laboratories conducting EIA Testing.  This will impact submitters in the following ways:

• Laboratories can only accept samples from federally authorized Category II Accredited veterinarians. The AHDC will be confirming accreditation via federally maintained systems.
• By April 15, 2020 submitters must use the current federally approved EIA forms or systems, Example: VS Form 10-11 version FEB 2018 or Global Vet Link form.
• All form information/data points are required and must be filled in or indicated as N/A. Incomplete forms will be rejected and returned to submitters for completion. Beginning April 15, 2020, the AHDC will have to start charging $10 for the return of incomplete forms.
• Samples older than 30 days can no longer be tested, regardless of whether or not they have been frozen. The AHDC will notify the submitter when this has occurred and the test will not be performed.
• At the discretion of the laboratory, amended forms can be processed as long as:
  • They are received within 30 days of the draw date of the sample.
  • Previously distributed copies are returned to the laboratory.
  • Change of ownership is not one of the items being amended.
     
• The AHDC charges $10 for the processing of amended forms.
• Beginning April 15, 2020 a $5 accession fee will be charged for EIA submissions.

Season Reminders

The AHDC uses the ELISA test as the default test for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). This decision was based on user demand and faster test turnaround time.
 
The AHDC will only perform the EIA AGID test when:

• A Global VetLink electronic submission form is used and AGID is requested; OR
• An AGID test is specifically requested AND the Export box is checked on the submission form

If the AGID test is being requested in anticipation of potential travel of the horse, please check the EXPORT box.
 
It is the responsibility of the veterinarian completing the document to ensure that descriptions provided will uniquely identify the horse for the purpose of animal movement and the needs of the owner. The USDA has developed a guidance document for identifying horses which can be found here. Contact your state animal health officials or USDA District Office for additional assistance.

When filling out official Coggins (EIA) forms to submit samples to the laboratory, please take into consideration that these are multi part forms and require additional pressure to make sure all copies are legible. Please also review forms for completeness to avoid possibly delayed results. The AHDC is a Global VetLink laboratory for electronic submissions. More information can be obtained here.

All official EIA forms (except for electronically submitted forms) are returned by US Mail. For STAT testing please call the lab and make arrangements for this service (607-253-3900). Additional fees will apply.

Requests to correct animal and/or owner demographics after release of results, requiring us to recall and amend previously distributed reports, will result in a $10 surcharge.