Postmortem Test for BSE

A new rapid postmortem test is designed to dectect bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cows.

Called HerdChek, the test detects the presence of the abnormal proteins believed to cause BSE, or mad cow disease. The test was developed by Idexx Laboratories, Inc. (Westbrook, Maine, USA). The company has been informed by the European Commission that it will approve the test. Idexx estimates that about 10 million BSE tests are performed annually in the European Union. The test has already been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for BSE testing.

"The Idexx HerdChek BSE antigen test will offer diagnostic laboratories a more conventient and efficient method of BSE testing,” said Jonathan Ayers, chairman and CEO of Idexx. "HerdChek simplifies testing procedures compared to other 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 Laboratories develops and commercializes technology-based products and services for veterinary, food, and water applications.




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