The law, however, will be in effect September 1, requiring that the equine have an EIA test within the past 12 months. The person transferring the ownership is responsible for having the equine tested, whether the animal is traded or sold at a public auction or private sale, or is just given away. The mare, however, must have tested negative for EIA within the previous 12 months. If an equine is not tested, it could be sold only direct to a slaughter plant, where a blood sample would be collected for testing at state expense. Testing for EIA is relatively simple.
Results generally take three to five days, if the specimens are handled by mail.
Thanks to new technology, test results can be available in only a few hours. To prevent disappointment, sellers should call ahead before hauling an untested horse to a market. If an equine tests positive at the market lab, the owner may elect to have the animal tested again. After a second blood sample is collected and sent to the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, the animal is to be taken home, under a restricted movement permit, issued by a TAHC inspector. While awaiting test results, the equine in question, and all other equine on the premise of origin are to be quarantined.