IMPORTANT NOTICE
EXTRAORDINARY RULE CHANGE FOR REMAINDER OF 2025
July 1, 2025
Attention all competing OCTRA members,
Due to recent equine health events, the OCTRA veterinary committee has been in discussion to review the current policy on Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) testing.
Earlier this year, it was decided to remove the requirement of an EIA test (commonly referred to as a “Coggins test”) for any horse to compete and/or be present at an OCTRA sanctioned event. This was due to the relatively low number of cases in Central/Eastern Canada and to help reduce costs required for participating horses. EIA is a viral disease that is spread between horses by flies or directly by blood (needles). Due to the severity of the disease, all infected horses are to be euthanized (by order of the CFIA/government), or those who do survive are mandated to live a life of complete biosecure isolation.
Recently (May 2025-present), there has been a large outbreak of EIA in Texas, originating from one veterinary clinic. This outbreak is still occurring as the spread continues. Although Texas is geographically far from Ontario, horses continue to travel between countries, states, and provinces. In order for a horse to travel across the border, a negative EIA test is required. There is a 6 month window for the test to be accepted. However, it is possible that horses can be tested prior to an infection and still travel.
On June 20, 2025, an EIA case occurred in Mirabel, Quebec (west of Montreal). It is unknown if this case was linked to the Texas outbreak, however it does prove that a risk still exists for Central/Eastern Canada.
The following recommendations have been made by the veterinary committee and approved by the OCTRA board regarding EIA and OCTRA’s upcoming events:
- All horses attending the Flesherton Rabbit Run ride are required to do an at home rectal temperature check before travelling to the ride site
- Horses must have a rectal temperature equal to or lower than 38.6 celsius OR 101.4 fahrenheit in order to attend Flesherton Rabbit Run
- How To: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZjU4Jrp56I
- A negative EIA test will be required for all horses competing/attending any OCTRA events for the remainder of the year (i.e. Fassifern and following events)
We understand that this may present challenges to some members, however we must ensure the safety of all horses who attend OCTRA events. If you have any questions, concerns, or clarifications, please contact Dr. Lisa Costa directly: lcosta.dvm@gmail.com
Thank you for your understanding and commitment to supporting horse welfare within sport.
Sincerely,
The OCTRA veterinary committee
Bridget Tomchick, Secretary (on behalf of OCTRA Veterinary Committee)
Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association