The New Jersey Department of Agriculture announced an initiative to ensure that horse owners and dealers are aware of–and following–the longstanding regulations for bringing horses into the state from another state.

The state will increase the inspections of licensed dealers to make sure that horses brought into the state have a negative Coggins test for equine infectious anemia and a health certificate signed by a veterinarian.

"Inspections will increase as staffing allows and will be based on other investigations and ongoing required field work," said Nancy Halpern, DVM, state veterinarian and director of the division of animal health.

"The department is simply re-emphasizing to horse buyers and potential horse buyers that they need to be aware of the requirements and should be asking sellers to ensure the Coggins test and health certificate have been done," Halpern said