At 28 he has had a good life.  In my opinion it is to risky for everyone else's horses to have one that tested postive with Coggins. I know if I was within 2 miles of said horse I would have a problem with it. This is very unfortunate and I am glad I don't have to make that decision.

Hopefully, he was tested more than once to ensure he was truely positive on Coggins.

You're right - 28 years is great and he has had a wonderful life. And yes, the state tested him three times. It's just so hard to put a horse down who in no way appears ill - even his stablemate of forever is negative. It's just one of those bits of bad luck. The owners definitely don't want to put anyone else at risk - but are just trying to see if there's any other way!

Thanks for your thoughts!

Please, please put him down.  It's not OK to put other healthy, valuable animals at risk because the owners can't bring themselves to do the right thing.  (IMHO, the 1/2 mile thing is total BS...look at how west nile travelled.)

In Texas it's illegal to transport a EIA+ horse, I do think they have special exceptions but they are rare.

If you can't "do the right thing" then don't own ANY animal!  Lots of folks here have made a tough call but we'd all do it again.  Most vets I know will put a horse down for free, then you'll need to have/rent a backhoe to finish the job.

I do not know the specifics of the tests used - but I have to assume that the state did the necessary tests (conducted on three separate occasions). I believe that the owners at this point have resigned themselves to the fact that putting him down is unfortunately their only option given the timeframe they have to work with. Very tough night tonight - but the vet will be out in the morning to walk the old guy "over the hill." He's had a good life and received the best of care . . . still very hard.

Thanks for all your comments and suggestions.  Give your equines an extra hug today!

Did you try MSU (Michigan State University) they might use him like they use other horses that have certain health problems.  They live their life as subjects that help other equine live better lives.  My sister knows a few horses there and they are not mistreated just test subjects.  Many great things happen there maybe they will find a cure for this.  Good Luck and God Bless.   

LoveDuffy- what lesson? Don't ever do a coggins, or have a a coggins done ealier in his life?

Doing  a coggins at an earlier date would have been useless.Then he would have been euthanised earlier, at least this way he has had more years.
OR, he could have been negative, and then contracted EIA the very next day and no one would have been the wiser.

Poor fellow, I wish a home could have been found, more for the distraught owners sake. The horse won't know what what happens, no worries there.

Peace 40