POLICY NO.RLP012

There is no cure for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), nor is there a vaccine that will prevent a horse from becoming infected. Control for this risk on racetracks is directly related to the requirement of a negative Coggins test for each horse before it enters the racetrack property.

Transmission of EIA occurs mainly through the transfer of contaminated blood from one animal to another. Insects such as horse flies, stable flies, deer flies, and contaminated needles aid in the disease's spread.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) Policy is to establish clear guidelines and procedures to maintain the health and safety of the equine population at racetracks in Alberta. This policy aims to ensure the safety and welfare of horses, as well as to mitigate risk to the Alberta horse racing industry.

Horse Racing Alberta's Rule 123g (1) of Rules Governing Racing states "(1) Any person who is responsible for a *race horse stabled on the grounds of a *race track for the purpose of racing must ensure that a negative test for equine infectious anemia (Coggins test) dated in the preceding 12 months (365 days), has been issued with respect to that horse."

SCOPE

This Policy applies to all Horse Racing Alberta Official Veterinarians, Licensed Practicing Veterinarians, Racing Managers, Racing Secretaries, Stewards and Judges, HRA Security Investigators, Assistant Director, Regulatory & Supervisor of Security and Investigations, and the Director, Regulatory and Supervisor of Racing.

AUTHORITY

Horse Racing Alberta will enforce strict penalties for non-compliance with the EIA Policy, including fines for the Race Office, trainers and/or racing participants.

REQUIRED PRE-ARRIVAL DOCUMENTATION WITH STRICT ENTRY CONTROLS AT RACETRACK ACCESS POINTS

• 48-hour Communication Requirement: Submit all horses' names and approximate times of arrival to both the Race Office and Horse Racing Alberta Regulatory (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) 48 hours before arrival.
• Current Coggins Test: Ensure the horse has a valid negative Coggins test on file with both the race office and Horse Racing Alberta Regulatory 48 hours before arrival. This is mandatory for entry.
• Verification at Entry Gates: Ensure that racetrack gate staff verify valid negative Coggins test results before allowing any horse onto the property.
• Denied Entry: Failure to produce a current negative Coggins test at the time of arrival, either electronically or with a physical copy in hand will result in being denied entry to the racetrack.
• Security Gate Check-In:

Shipping Information: Complete and submit the shippers form with details of the horse, trainer, date, arrival time, and signatures of the shipper and security staff. Security staff will verify the documentation and check the horse against the provided records.

• Record Keeping: The Race Office and Horse Racing Alberta will maintain a manual or electronic log of all horses entering the premises, including their Coggins test status and the date of the test.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Official Veterinarians, Licensed Practicing Veterinarians, Starters, Racing Managers, Racing Secretaries, Stewards and Judges, HRA Security Investigators, Assistant Director, Regulatory & Supervisor of Security and Investigations, and the Director, Regulatory and Supervisor of Racing)

Responsible Party	List of Responsibilities
Trainers and Racing Participants	48 hours in advance of shipping they must communicate via email, hard copy, or fax to the race office and Horse Racing Alberta security (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) the names of all horses, valid Coggins, and approximate time of arrival. Upon arrival at the racetrack submit ship in form to the security person with all details complete with signature.
Race Office	Accept the horses' names with valid Coggins test from horsemen. Add the horse's name, microchip or tattoo number, and valid Coggins dates to the Alberta Racetrack electronic log. Send list of names of horses that are shipping in with a valid Coggins and approximate time of arrival to security check in. Must have someone at the entry gates to accept horses and any documentation. Entries to race are not accepted for a horse without a valid Coggins on file through race day.
Racetrack security check in	Accept the list of horse's names expected to ship in for the day from the race office. Ensure the valid Coggins dates are included. Accept the ship in form from the shipper and quickly confirm that mandatory areas are filled out. Sign the form with the arrival time. Contact Horse Racing Alberta security that the horses have arrived.
Horse Racing Alberta Security	Accept the horses' names with valid Coggins test from horsemen. Add the horse's name, microchip or tattoo number, and valid Coggins dates to the Alberta Racetrack electronic log if not already completed by the Race Office. Confirm the horse's identity with a microchip scanner, tattoo, or markings. Have horses removed immediately that don't have a valid Coggins on file. Report to stewards/judges.
Official and Practicing Veterinarians	Report a horse and trainers to Horse Racing Alberta hat is on the racetrack property without a valid Coggins.

COMMUNICATION

Horse Racing Alberta will maintain open communication with all stakeholders including horse owners, trainers, racing participants and the Race Office regarding the importance and requirements of the Coggins testing through newsletters, texts, emails, and meetings.

The Race Office should place visible notices at entry points, barns, and common gathering areas regarding Coggins test requirements.

EVALUATION

This Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA} Policy will be periodically reviewed and updated as needed to reflect industry standards, veterinary regulations, and changing circumstances.

This policy aims to provide clear procedures and guidelines for Equine Infectious Anemia testing while minimizing disruptions to racing participants and the racing industry.

Approved August 14th, 2024 | Board Motion Number BD093 (Aug24)
Kent Verlik, CEO | Diana McQueen, Chair