A retrospective study of Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in dogs in Minnesota

In order to determine the seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in suspected dogs in Minnesota, the present study examines the database of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Minnesota over a 10 year period (2001-June 2010). A total of 1081 serum samples from dogs suspected of having borreliosis were submitted by 112 private veterinary clinics. The samples were tested using an indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test. Samples with titers of ≥1:320 were considered positive. The rate of seroprevalence of antibodies was 88%. The increase in the rate of yearly seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in dogs was comparable with that of human borreliosis in Minnesota.