New EIA Law in AK

["Lisa LeChatton" <llechatton@hotmail.com>]

Arkansas Has New EIA Law from Horse Mag
The Arkansas 2001 General Assembly recently passed Act 540, which defines 
and sets standards for an equine infectious anemia (EIA) research facility 
and requires a Certified EIA Verifier to be present to check Coggins test 
papers at any equine event that meets one or more of the criteria listed 
below. Act 540 amends Act 1306 of 1997.

Event Criteria:

1. The event charges a fee of any kind, including an entry fee, a membership 
fee, a registration fee, a user fee, a camping fee or a grounds fee

2. The event provides prize money, trophies, plaques, ribbons, points or 
awards of any kind including jackpot and benefits.

3. The event causes a concentration of more than fifty (50) Equids.

It is the event sponsor's responsibility to have a Certified EIA Verifier 
present for verification of Coggins tests. A Certified EIA Verifier is an 
individual that has completed a Verification Course co sponsored by the 
Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission, Cooperative Extension Service, 
University of Arkansas, and the Arkansas Horse Council. Certification is for 
one year. A list of Certified EIA Verifiers is available from the Arkansas 
Livestock and Poultry Commission.

Any Person, firm or corporation who violates any of the provisions of these 
acts shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor; which is 
punishable by up to one year imprisonment and/or a $1000 fine.

Since 1977, nearly 10,000 horses in Arkansas have been destroyed after 
testing positive for EIA. It is estimated that officials have only been 
testing 10-20 percent of the horse population for the disease.

According to officials, the control of EIA in Arkansas will require full 
cooperation of all horse owners to be effective. Knowledge of the disease 
and compliance with the current laws and regulations could lead to effective 
control of this important disease.


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