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Borrelia burgdorferi, IFAT

Name: Borrelia burgdorferi, IFAT
Brand: Equigerminal
Price: 421.0 DKK

Test that looks in your horse's blood for the defences (antibodies) against Borrelia, the tick germ that causes Lyme disease....

421,00 kr Incl. VAT

About

IFAT for Borrelia burgdorferi, the pathogen responsible for Lyme disease (Borreliosis).

IgG + IgM

IgG titers of 1:64 are considered doubtful. IgG titers of 1:128 and higher are considered positive, indicating a previous infection. Recent infections appear with a positive IgM titer but may be IgG negative.

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that results from infection with members of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. These organisms are maintained in wild animals, but they can affect humans and some species of domesticated animals, such as horses.

Lyme disease has been reported in North America, Europe, Australia and parts of Asia.

Clinical signs

Clinical signs appear in less than 10% of horses infected with the bacteria. Signs include:

Lameness (usually of larger joints) that shifts from limb to limb;
Generalised stiffness;
Soreness in the large joints and back;
Low-grade fever (which may or may not be present);
Behavioural changes such as reluctance to work and irritability;
Laminitis (occasionally associated with Lyme disease)
Horses do not show a skin rash with Lyme disease.
Swelling around a tick bite in a horse is generally due to a reaction to the tick’s saliva, not Lyme disease.

Horses do not show a skin rash with Lyme disease.

Swelling around a tick bite in a horse is generally due to a reaction to the tick's saliva, not Lyme disease.

Transmission

The ticks become infected when they feed on rodents such as the white-footed mouse that carry the bacteria. The tick can then pass on this infection when it feeds on another host, such as a horse or deer. The bacteria migrate from the tick to the horse after 12 to 24 hours of attachment.

In areas where the incidence of disease is high among people, only about 50% of horses are likely to become infected. Of these horses, less than 1 in 10 develops clinical signs of the disease. The remaining horses either have subclinical infection (carry the antibodies against the bacteria but remain clinically healthy) or their immune systems fight off the bacteria (and these horses carry the antibodies to Lyme disease for up to a year).

People can also be infected with Lyme disease, but there is no risk of the disease being transmitted from horses to humans.

Prevention

Since there is no vaccine available, prevention is focused on control of the tick population:

Perform a daily tick examination. Remember that it takes 12 to 24 hours of attachment for bacteria to migrate from the tick to the host.
Treat turned-out horses with permethrin-based insect repellents during peak adult deer tick seasons: early spring, late summer and fall.
Minimize habitat for ticks and their hosts.

Results

IgG + IgM

IgG titers of 1:64 are considered doubtful.
IgG titers of 1:128 and higher are considered positive, indicating a previous infection.
Recent infections appear with a positive IgM titer but may be IgG negative.

Sample

5 mL - blood - serum tube

Turnaround

Standard processing: results in 2 to 5 working days after sample arrival at the laboratory. Shipping is arranged and paid for by the client; transit time is not included.

How it works

🛒 Buy the test: select and buy the test online.

📧 Receive the instructions: after payment is confirmed, you receive the sample collection instructions by e-mail.

📄 Complete the form: print and complete the submission form with the animal’s identification.

✨ Collect the sample: pull 20 to 40 hair roots with the bulb and stick them in the marked area of the form, or ask your veterinarian to collect blood in a K3-EDTA tube.

📮 Send it to the laboratory: Equigerminal, S.A., HIESE, Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro, 25, Quinta Vale do Espinhal, 3230-343 Penela, PORTUGAL.

📊 Receive the report: the certified report is issued as soon as the analysis is validated.

FAQs

Who collects the sample? Your veterinarian. See Sample for the material and the volume this test requires.

How should the sample be sent? Keep it cool and send it by tracked courier as soon as it is collected. Shipping is arranged and paid for by the client.

What happens if the sample arrives unsuitable? We contact you before processing and ask for a new sample.

Can other tests be added to the same sample? Often yes, if the material and the volume allow it. Ask us before shipping.

How long does it take? See Turnaround. The count starts when the sample arrives at the laboratory, not when you order.