IDEXX/Equine Biodiagnostics Introduces Three New Equine Infectious Disease Tests [Trade]
The equine specialty reference laboratory tests aid in the differential diagnosis of neurological disorders in horses, providing faster, more accurate identification of EHV-1, West Nile Virus, and Lyme disease along with Anaplasma phagocytophilum

Westbrook, Maine, October 5, 2007—IDEXX/Equine Biodiagnostics (EBI), a division of IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDXX), has launched three new tests to help practitioners quickly and accurately identify serious health threats to horses: equine herpes virus type 1 (EHV-1), West Nile Virus (WNV), and Lyme disease along with Anaplasma phagocytophilum (formerly Ehrlichia equi). Each test plays a critical role in helping equine practitioners determine specific causes of neurological disease in their patients, complementing the equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) testing already performed at IDEXX/EBI. When working through a differential diagnosis on a neurologic horse, practices can submit samples for all of these tests at once.

The IDEXX/EBI EHV-1 RealPCR™ Test differentiates between “wild type” and “neuropathogenic” strains of equine herpes virus. Dr. Jennifer Morrow of IDEXX/EBI noted, “This new test uses real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) methodology to quickly detect EHV-1 strains containing a mutation that is highly associated with neurological disease.” IDEXX Professional Services Veterinarian, Dr. Rob Keene, added, “From a clinical perspective, this test allows practitioners to identify the affected individuals quickly, improving disease management and preventing spread to other horses.” The IDEXX/EBI EHV-1 RealPCR™ Test is run daily (Monday through Saturday) on whole blood and/or nasal-swab samples.

The IDEXX/EBI West Nile Virus (WNV) IgM Capture ELISA Test detects an IgM response elicited by recent infections with WNV. This test is performed twice weekly on serum samples.

The IDEXX/EBI Lyme ELISA Test detects two diseases in one assay for horses infected with Borrelia burgdorferi and/or Anaplasma phagocytophilum. This highly sensitive and specific test offers a more accurate Lyme result based on its unique C₆ peptide formulation. The IDEXX/EBI Lyme ELISA Test is performed daily (Monday through Saturday) on serum, plasma or anticoagulated whole blood samples.

For more information about the IDEXX/EBI EHV-1 RealPCR™ Test, the IDEXX/EBI West Nile Virus (WNV) IgM Capture ELISA Test, the IDEXX/EBI Lyme ELISA Test, or any other equine diagnostic test call 1-800-621-8378, or visit www.idexx.com/3ebitests.

About IDEXX/Equine Biodiagnostics (EBI)
IDEXX/EBI, located in Lexington, Kentucky, is the country’s only equine specialty reference laboratory. Along with providing a team of board-certified equine specialists and the latest advancements in equine diagnostic research, IDEXX/EBI offers innovative new tests and delivers accurate, comprehensive results. IDEXX/EBI’s specialty tests combine with those offered by IDEXX Reference Laboratories’ nationwide network of local labs to provide a full menu of equine diagnostic tests and the convenience of single sample pick-up and results delivery.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements about the Company’s business prospects that are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's expectations of future events as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments. Actual results could differ materially from management’s expectations. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include the following: the Company’s ability to develop, manufacture, introduce and market new products and enhancements to existing products; the effectiveness of the Company’s sales and marketing activities; the Company’s ability to develop, license or obtain rights to new technologies; the Company’s ability to identify acquisition opportunities, complete acquisitions and integrate acquired businesses; the impact of competition and technological change on the markets for the Company’s products; the effect of government regulation on the Company’s business, including government decisions about whether and when to approve the Company’s products and decisions regarding labeling, manufacturing and marketing products; the impact of distributor purchasing decisions on sales of our products that are sold through distribution; changes or trends in veterinary medicine that affect the rate of use of the Company’s products and services by veterinarians; the Company’s ability to obtain patent and other intellectual property protection for its products, successfully enforce its intellectual property rights and defend itself against third party claims against the Company; disruptions, shortages or pricing changes that affect the Company’s purchases of products and materials from third parties, including from sole source suppliers; the effects of government regulatory decisions, customer demand, pricing and other factors on the realizability of the Company’s inventories; the Company’s ability to manufacture complex biologic products; the effects of operations outside the U.S., including from currency fluctuations, different regulatory, political and economic conditions, and different market conditions; and the loss of key employees. A further description of these and other factors can be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (1.5 MB), and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 (391 KB), in the section captioned "Risk Factors."