Equine Coggins clinic available at 4B Farm in Eldorado

Equine Coggins clinic available at 4B Farm in Eldorado

The Uwharrie National Forest has become a popular location for horseback riding, as people have discovered the horse camps and trails available within the forest. 4B Farm, located just outside the national forest, is also an active center for horseback riding enthusiasts. The need for horses to be checked for the Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) virus by having a Coggins Test, has led Larry and Helen Blackburn, with 4B Farm, to invite veterinarians to hold an EIA clinic there. They will be collecting blood specimens for Coggins Testing at a cost of $16/horse and rabies vaccines for $10/horse. No other animals will be treated. The clinic will be held Sunday, February 19, from 1 till 5 PM. The address of 4B Farm is 346 Mullinix Road, Troy, North Carolina 27371, in the Eldorado Community.

Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) virus, also known as swamp fever, is characterized by weight loss, anemia and other blood abnormalities. Some horses exhibit overt clinical symptoms while others show no signs of the virus. Once infected with the virus that causes EIA, horses remain infected for life. There is no cure or vaccine available. Horses infected with the EIA virus must be quarantined for the remainder of the animal’s life, donated to a research facility or euthanized. The only defense against EIA is the prevention of the disease. All horses should be tested at least yearly. Many horse events require proof of a negative Coggins Test before the horse can enter the event grounds. For more information, call Blackburn at (336)461-3276.