IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. has developed, validated and made available a new test for the detection of H3N2 canine influenza virus. An avian-origin H3N2 strain identified in Asia around 2006 was determined to be the cause of a recent widespread canine influenza outbreak in the Chicago area. This highly contagious strain had previously been reported only in Asia but is now spreading among the dog population in the U.S. The IDEXX RealPCR Laboratory recently confirmed cases in the following states: Alabama, California, Texas, New York, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana, in addition to the outbreak in the Chicago area.

As soon as the H3N2 strain was reported in the U.S., IDEXX invested in research and development and in less than 4 weeks, IDEXX produced and validated a test to detect the H3N2 strain. The new H3N2 Influenza Virus RealPCR™ Test allows rapid, reliable and specific testing for the strain responsible for the outbreak. IDEXX has added the H3N2 Influenza Virus RealPCR™ Test to their existing IDEXX Comprehensive Canine Respiratory Disease (CRD) RealPCR™ panels at no additional cost to customers. The H3N2 test is also available as a stand-alone test.

For more information on the H3N2 test for canine influenza, visit www.idexx.com/canineh3n2.