IDEXX Laboratories Launches New Johne’s Disease Test Approved for Use on Milk

WESTBROOK, Maine, April 06, 2010—IDEXX Production Animal Services announces the North American release of IDEXX® M. pt. Antibody Test Kit for the detection of antibodies for Mycobacterium paratuberculosis (M. pt.) in milk, serum, and plasma samples. Designed to help dairy and cattle producers manage the impact of M. pt., also known as Johne's disease, this USDA-licensed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has sensitivity and specificity superior to other tests on the market, minimizing the need for retesting and ensuring quick turnaround time for producers. The test can be run on milk so that dairy producers can eliminate the cost of sample collection by requesting M. pt. testing on milk samples that are already routinely evaluated for milk quality. Laboratories will benefit from the proven technology, the flexibility of a single kit that can be run with milk, serum or plasma samples, and the simple and rapid test protocol.

Johne's frequently goes unnoticed because animals don't show clinical signs, but it is more common—and riskier—than many realize. "Research compiled by the National Johne's Education Initiative indicates that 1 out of every 10 animals moving through livestock auctions has Johne's disease," says Nevena Djuranovic, Regional Marketing Manager at IDEXX. "The annual loss of productivity due to Johne's in the U.S. dairy industry alone is estimated to be as high as $250 million." Studies show that cows that test positive for Johne's produce less milk and have reduced pregnancy rates, while the milk produced has lower fat and protein content and higher somatic cell scores.

"This is the first product IDEXX brings to the North American market as a result of our 2007 acquisition of Institut Pourquier in France," said Olivier te Boekhorst, General Manager, IDEXX Production Animal Services. "We are excited to introduce this proven technology with its superior sensitivity and specificity, and simple and rapid test protocol. The milk claim will reduce the cost of testing for dairy farmers, while use of this test can have a real impact on dairy productivity."

For more information or to order the new IDEXX M. pt. Antibody Test Kit, please contact IDEXX Customer Service at 1-800-548-9997, or visit www.idexx.com/mpt.

About IDEXX Production Animal Services 

IDEXX Laboratories is the worldwide leader in production animal services. For nearly 25 years, IDEXX has delivered trusted, proven diagnostics and equipment that ensure the safety of the global supply of production animals. The IDEXX worldwide-distributed portfolio of production animal products addresses more than 50 pathologies affecting bovine, small ruminants, equine, porcine and poultry.

About IDEXX Laboratories 

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. is a leader in pet healthcare innovation, serving practicing veterinarians around the world with a broad range of diagnostic and information technology-based products and services. IDEXX products enhance the ability of veterinarians to provide advanced medical care, to improve staff efficiency 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 4,800 people and offers products to customers in over 100 countries.