- IDEXX added taeniid tapeworm detection, including Taenia and Echinococcus species, to its Fecal Dx antigen testing platform.
- The expanded platform now detects seven clinically relevant intestinal parasite groups in cats and dogs.
- IDEXX says Fecal Dx antigen testing can detect up to twice as many intestinal parasite infections earlier than fecal flotation alone.
- More than 50 million Fecal Dx antigen tests have been run globally since the platform launched in 2012.
- IDEXX Reference Laboratories customers in the United States and Canada will receive the expanded taeniid detection capability beginning in late June at no additional cost.
IDEXX Laboratories announced the expansion of its Fecal Dx™ antigen testing platform with the addition of taeniid tapeworm detection, including Taenia and Echinococcus species, further broadening the diagnostic menu available for intestinal parasite screening in companion animals.
The company said the updated platform is designed to improve parasite detection in both wellness and sick-pet care by identifying infections that may be missed through fecal flotation alone. According to IDEXX, Fecal Dx antigen testing has been shown to detect up to twice as many intestinal parasite infections earlier compared with fecal flotation testing alone.
“This advancement reflects how we innovate at IDEXX, developing platforms that grow with our customers as care evolves,” said Mike Erickson, president and chief executive officer of IDEXX. “By broadening the insight available through Fecal Dx, we’re making fecal testing easier to incorporate into everyday decision-making, helping veterinary teams reach more pets with greater confidence.”
Expanded Parasite Detection
With the addition of taeniid tapeworm detection, the Fecal Dx platform now screens for seven clinically relevant intestinal parasite groups, including hookworm, roundworm, whipworm, flea tapeworm, taeniid tapeworm, Cystoisospora and Giardia in select testing panels.
The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) identifies Taenia and Echinococcus species as clinically important parasites. IDEXX noted that Echinococcus species can present zoonotic risks in endemic regions, including parts of Europe, the United States and Canada.
“The addition of taeniid tapeworm detection to IDEXX Fecal Dx makes this an even more complete intestinal parasite screen for cats and dogs,” said Michael Rose, DVM, managing owner of Monticello Animal Hospital. “This allows veterinarians to institute medical treatment early, which helps protect pet health and reduce zoonotic risk to owners.”
Growing Adoption of Fecal Dx
Since launching in 2012, IDEXX said more than 50 million Fecal Dx antigen tests have been performed worldwide, reflecting continued adoption of the platform in veterinary practices globally.
Beginning in late June, IDEXX Reference Laboratories customers in the United States and Canada will automatically receive taeniid tapeworm detection as part of Fecal Dx antigen testing panels and profiles at no additional cost, according to the company.
IDEXX, headquartered in Westbrook, Maine, develops diagnostic and software products for veterinary medicine, as well as products supporting livestock, water and dairy testing worldwide.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
