IDEXX Reference Laboratories Announces Equine Respiratory RealPCR™ Panel
Real-time PCR technology helps equine veterinarians quickly diagnose respiratory disease

WESTBROOK, Maine, September 4, 2008—IDEXX Reference Laboratories introduces the IDEXX Equine Respiratory RealPCR™ Panel—a series of IDEXX RealPCR™ tests run in combination to help veterinarians diagnose equine respiratory disease.

Equine respiratory disease is one of the most common issues equine veterinarians face. As it has a variety of causes, both bacterial and viral, identifying the causative pathogen is critical for determining treatments, implementing biosecurity protocols, and managing the spread of disease. A quick diagnosis is also important, particularly in commercial barns that transport horses regularly, because treatment protocols can be costly and inconvenient.

The IDEXX Equine Respiratory Panel combines tests for Equine Herpesvirus Types 1 and 4 (EHV-1 and EHV-4), Streptococcus equi, Equine Influenza Virus and offers the option of adding a test for Equine Arteritis Virus. It provides speed and accuracy in identifying the most common respiratory pathogens. "We are pleased to offer these tests—the most recent additions to our real-time PCR test menu—in a single panel," says Scott Moffitt, Director of Equine Sales and Marketing at IDEXX. "With one sample, several respiratory diseases can be diagnosed or ruled out, quickly and accurately, and practitioners can give clients more comprehensive diagnostic information."

IDEXX RealPCR™ Tests
The IDEXX RealPCR tests use real-time PCR technology, a highly sensitive method that detects and quantitates bacterial or viral DNA. Unlike conventional PCR where results are gathered at the end of the PCR reaction, real-time PCR detects RNA and DNA as the PCR reaction is occurring. Because the DNA is measured during the reaction without time-consuming post-PCR steps, results are available in 24 hours instead of several days as with conventional PCR.

IDEXX/EBI®, a member of the IDEXX Reference Laboratories family, is a specialized equine testing facility that offers expertise in detecting the serious diseases affecting horses today. For more information about RealPCR testing at IDEXX/EBI, see www.idexx.com/ebi or call
1-800-621-8378.

About IDEXX Reference Laboratories and IDEXX Laboratories
IDEXX Reference Laboratories is a worldwide network of laboratories trusted for providing a comprehensive testing menu and consistently delivering accurate diagnostic results to the veterinary industry. IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., the parent company of IDEXX Reference Laboratories, is a leader in animal health, serving practicing veterinarians around the world with innovative, technology-based offerings, including a broad range of diagnostic products and services, practice management systems and pharmaceuticals. IDEXX products enhance the ability of veterinarians to provide advanced medical care and to build more economically successful practices. IDEXX is also a worldwide leader in providing diagnostic tests and information for the production animal industry and tests for the quality and safety of water and milk. Headquartered in Maine, IDEXX Laboratories employs more than 4,500 people and offers products to customers in over 100 countries.