Idexx Laboratories launches canine distemper virus test

Idexx Laboratories has announced the launch of a new testing system for canine distemper virus (CDV) that can differentiate infected animals from those that have received vaccination.

The CDV Quant RealPCR Test allows animal health professionals to take a quantitative measure of the CDV viral load, which would be much higher during an infection than would be the case following a vaccination.

This helps to eliminate one of the key challenges involved in interpreting positive CDV results and makes it easier to diagnose pets displaying signs of respiratory illness.

Idexx's new test is available as part of its existing canine respiratory disease panels at no additional cost and is able to produce results in as little as one to three days.

Dr Christian Leutenegger, regional head of molecular diagnostics at Idexx, said: "Veterinarians can be confident in the results and in their diagnosis of CDV in patients."

This comes after the company launched its new Idexx I-Vision Mobile digital imaging application for tablet computers last month.