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Testing for Equine Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi)

Importance of Antibody Testing and the Biopanda Equine Lyme IgG/IgM Rapid Test

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About Lyme Disease in Horses

  • Caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochete bacterium transmitted by Ixodes ticks.
  • Infection occurs when ticks attach and feed on horses, transmitting the pathogen.
  • Common in regions where ticks are endemic particularly wooded or grassy areas.
  • Many horses are exposed, but not all develop clinical disease.

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Clinical Signs and Impact

  • Clinical manifestations include lameness, stiffness, behavioural changes, poor performance.
  • Neurological signs (neuroborreliosis), uveitis, and cutaneous lesions may occur.
  • Non-specific signs make diagnosis challenging and easily confused with other conditions.
  • Chronic infection may affect athletic performance and welfare.

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Why Testing Is Important

  • Detects exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi and aids in early diagnosis.
  • Helps distinguish between recent and past infection via IgM and IgG antibodies.
  • Supports informed treatment decisions and tick-control programs.
  • Rapid testing improves response time and animal management in endemic regions.

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Challenges in Traditional Diagnosis

  • Laboratory-based ELISA or Western blot tests require shipping and delay results.
  • Not practical for on-site testing or immediate management decisions.
  • Early infections may be missed before antibody production begins.
  • A need exists for a rapid, simple, and accurate in-clinic testing solution.

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Biopanda Equine Lyme IgG/IgM Antibody Rapid Test

  • Detects antibodies (IgG and IgM) to Borrelia burgdorferi in equine blood, serum, or plasma.
  • Utilises a lateral flow immunoassay format for quick, visual results.
  • Provides results within minutes without laboratory equipment.
  • Designed for veterinary use in both clinics and field environments.

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Key Advantages of the Biopanda Test

Rapid results – provides diagnosis within 10–15 minutes.

Differentiates between early (IgM) and later (IgG) immune responses.

Simple to perform with minimal training required.

Reduces need for external laboratory testing and associated costs.

Supports improved case management and owner communication.

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Implementing the Test in Practice

Collect equine blood, serum, or plasma sample using standard veterinary methods.

Add the sample and buffer to the cassette according to instructions.

Read the result within the specified timeframe.

Positive IgM: suggests recent infection. Positive IgG: past or ongoing exposure.

Use results alongside clinical assessment and tick-control strategies.

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Case Example: Field Diagnosis

Scenario: Performance horse with intermittent lameness and stiffness.

Traditional tests delayed; Biopanda test performed in-clinic within minutes.

IgM positive result indicated recent exposure; early treatment initiated.

Outcome: Improved performance and reduced disease progression risk.

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Limitations & Best Practices

A positive antibody test indicates exposure, not necessarily active disease.

Negative result may occur during early infection before antibody response.

Always interpret results with clinical findings and environmental history.

Repeat testing may be warranted in ongoing or recurrent cases.

Combine with tick-control and prevention strategies for best outcomes.

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Summary & Key Takeaways

  • Lyme disease poses a risk to equine health and performance in tick-endemic areas.
  • Rapid antibody testing enables early identification and better management.
  • The Biopanda Equine Lyme IgG/IgM Rapid Test provides fast, reliable results in the field.
  • Ideal for veterinarians and equine professionals seeking efficient diagnostics.
  • Enhances welfare, customer confidence, and practice value.

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Contact & Further Information

  • Address: Unit 14, Carrowreagh Business Park, Carrowreagh Road, Dundonald, Belfast, BT16 1QQ, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
  • Tel: (+) 44 (0)2895 438774
  • Email: info@biopanda.co.uk
  • For veterinary support and product information, contact your local distributor.