Idexx Reference Laboratories introduced a new canine distemper virus test today that can differentiate infected dogs from those vaccinated for the disease. The Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) Quant RealPCR Test measures the quantitative load of virus in a canine to determine whether the animal has been recently vaccinated for CDV or is infected with the virus. This determination is important, Idexx said, because dogs usually develop clinical signs of CDV within days of adoption from kennels or shelters where they typically would have been vaccinated. Christian Leutenegger, DrVetMed, Ph.D., F.V.H., regional head of molecular diagnostics for Idexx, said the test uses real-time polymerase chain reaction technology and seven quality controls. “Innovative real-time PCR technology indicates not only the presence but also the quantity of the virus,” said Leutenegger, who developed the test in collaboration with veterinarians from the University of Florida. Idexx, based in Westbrook, Maine, said the new test has been incorporated into the company’s existing canine respiratory disease panels at no additional cost, and results are available within one to three days. A stand-alone test for quantitative distemper virus information from swabs collected from respiratory mucosa is also available. <Home>
