Abstract
Equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) poses a significant global threat to the equine industry, resulting in considerable economic losses and compromised horse health. Given the limited treatment options available, early detection and prevention strategies are essential to combat this viral infection. In this study, we introduce a novel colloidal gold immunochromatographic (ICLF) strip for the rapid and accurate detection of EIAV antibodies. The strip incorporates a unique fusion protein, p26-gp90, designed to enhance both the specificity and sensitivity of the detection method for EIAV antibodies. Through rigorous method validation, our strip has exhibited superior performance compared to existing detection methods. It demonstrates high sensitivity, improved specificity, and excellent stability, enabling reliable and long-term storage. Additionally, the strip allows for fast and precise analysis of clinical samples, making it an invaluable tool for the early detection and prevention of EIAV. The availability of such an accurate and efficient detection method will greatly enhance our ability to combat EIAV by enabling the early identification of infected horses and facilitating effective preventive measures.