Borreliosis in equids in northeastern United States
Magnarelli, L.A.; Anderson, J.F.; Shaw, E.; Post, J.E.; Palka, F.C.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 49(3): 359-362
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 3282461 Document Number: 307010
During 1982 and 1985, blood samples from 705 equines were examined for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi. By indirect immunofluorescence staining, IgM and total immunoglobulin (IgM and IgG) antibodies were detected in 37 (5.3%) and 90 (12.8%) serum specimens, respectively. The geometric mean titre for IgM antibody (140.4) was highest during July, whereas total immunoglobulin ranged from 94.1 in October to 338 in May. 86 equids with total immunoglobulin to B. burgdorferi lived in areas of Connecticut where the primary tick vector, Ixodes dammini, was present. Of the 86 equines, 9 from Lyme, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York had antibodies to B. burgdorferi and developed limb or joint disorders that resulted in single or recurrent episodes of lameness.