IDEXX Laboratories Receives USDA Approval of BSE Postmortem Test

WESTBROOK, Maine, March 18, 2004—IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDXX), today announced that it has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to produce and sell the IDEXX HerdChek® BSE Antigen Test Kit to USDA-approved laboratories. HerdChek, a rapid test for accurate postmortem detection of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), detects the presence of the abnormal proteins believed to cause BSE.

The IDEXX HerdChek® BSE Antigen Test Kit utilizes the same Seprion technology as the previously approved IDEXX HerdChek® Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Antigen Test Kit. HerdChek simplifies testing procedures compared to existing products on the market by eliminating complex protein digestion steps in the sample preparation process. This saves technician time and effort and reduces the potential for error. IDEXX has also submitted this test to the European Union (EU) for validation and approval.

Quentin Tonelli, PhD, Vice President, said "We are excited about the opportunity to offer our customers a more convenient and efficient method of BSE testing at a time when testing volumes are set to increase. This test, with simplified sample preparation, allows labs to choose either a manual version that requires little additional equipment or an automated version for high volume applications. Our experience last fall in applying this technology, licensed from MicroSens Biotechnologies, has shown us that our customers appreciate having accurate results in an easier-to-use testing format."

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., is a worldwide leader in the development and commercialization of innovative, technology-based products and services for veterinary, food and water applications. The Company's largest business is focused on companion animal health, combining biotechnology, medical device technology and information technology to aid veterinarians in providing better medicine while building successful practices. IDEXX Laboratories' food and water businesses are focused on employing innovative technologies to monitor production animal health and the safety and quality of drinking water and milk. Headquartered in Westbrook, Maine, IDEXX Laboratories employs more than 2,400 people and offers products to customers in over 100 countries.

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations of future events, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from management's expectations. Risks and uncertainties include timing and success of new product introductions, competition and technological change, government regulation and obtaining government approvals, product demand and market acceptance of products, availability of products and raw materials, and litigation. A further description of these risks and uncertainties and other factors can be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 (PDF, 4,003 KB), in the section captioned "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.