Serodiagnosis of equine monocytic ehrlichiosis in selected groups of horses in Minnesota

Antibody titer to Ehrlichia risticii was determined, in 2,549 equine serum samples, using an indirect fluorescent antibody assay. During 1986, samples were obtained from the Minnesota State-Federal Equine Infectious Anemia Diagnostic Laboratory, the Minnesota Racing Laboratory, from horses admitted to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and as a result of field investigations of horses with acute diarrhea. Results of the study revealed antibody prevalence of 33, 24, 47, and 25% for the respective groups. There was no statistical association between seropositive status and age, sex, breed, or clinical problem of horses referred to the teaching hospital. There was an increase in the total percentage of seropositive samples over the duration of the sample collection period, suggesting a seasonal exposure pattern, and E risticii was associated with clinical and subclinical infections in horses of Minnesota.