12 August 2011

2 minute read

North America

Veterinarians can use the test to quickly determine the status of individual animals or as part of a BVDV herd management programme to help control the spread of BVDV in dairy and beef herds. The SNAP BVD Test uses proven ELISA technology and is the first IDEXX rapid assay for livestock disease.

"The SNAP BVD Test gives veterinarians a proven tool to initiate the BVDV conversation with their clients," says Frank Winslow, Senior Worldwide Marketing Manager for IDEXX Livestock and Poultry Diagnostics.

"This simple 20-minute test lets them determine the status of any new introduction to a herd, including newborn calves and replacement heifers, and either quarantine an infected animal or confidently allow an uninfected animal to join the herd."

"BVDV costs US beef and dairy producers more than $30 a head, even after a herd has been vaccinated," says Olivier te Boekhorst, Vice President and General Manager, IDEXX Livestock and Poultry Diagnostics.

"Reduced feed conversion, lower milk yields, reproductive problems and increased mortality are just a few of the side effects that damage herd productivity. Veterinarians can use the SNAP BVD Test to identify the source of the disease—persistently infected, or PI, cattle—and quickly alert producers to remove them from the herd."

The speed and simplicity of the SNAP BVD Test make it easy for veterinarians to design a complete management program to minimize the impact of BVDV.

IDEXX recommends veterinarians work with clients to determine the BVDV status of herds using high-volume testing at a local laboratory, followed by testing of all new introductions with the SNAP BVD Test as part of a biosecurity programme.

The IDEXX SNAP BVD Test is now available in the US and other countries. For more information, visit idexx.com/snapbvd or contact Lisa Lemieux, North American Livestock Sales Manager at 1-207-556-4376.

TheCattleSite News Desk