Louisiana Woman Arrested For Allegedly Forging Multiple Equine Infectious Anemia Tests

Baton Rouge, Louisiana – A woman from Louisiana has been arrested for allegedly forging multiple tests for Equine Infectious Anemia.

According to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF), on May 4, 2023, a St. Mary Parish woman was arrested for forgery charges as a consequence of an investigation conducted by Livestock Brand Commission brand inspectors and an arrest warrant issued by St. Mary Parish.

Shanna L. Bryan, 41, of Berwick, was arrested on a warrant for three counts of forgery. Bryan allegedly fraudulently faked and changed three Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) tests, generally referred to as “Coggins tests,” for the purpose of boarding three horses at a St. Mary Parish boarding facility, according to the LDAF’s Livestock Brand Commission inquiry. The horses were tested and determined to be “negative” for Equine Infectious Anemia as a consequence of the research.

Bryan surrendered without incident to the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Department and was jailed on the warrant. A $5,000 bond has been established at this time.

“There is a reason that EIA tests are required by law; forging their results is a serious crime,” said LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, DVM. “Any duplicitous efforts to jeopardize accurate and honest testing could have a detrimental impact on Louisiana’s equine industry, and that’s not a chance we are willing to take.”

The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Department aided the Livestock Brand Commission in its inquiry.

For the public to report thefts or other agricultural-related offenses, the Livestock Brand Commission operates a 24-hour Crimestoppers hotline at (800) 558-9741.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.