Idexx Laboratories has announced the UK launch of Corona Detect, described as an intrinsic part of a new two-tier approach to the diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).

Corona Detect is a first-line screening tool for detecting exposure to feline coronavirus (FCoV). It can be coupled with the Idexx FIP Virus RealPCR to follow up coronavirus-positive cats exhibiting clinical signs suspected to be FIP. The Idexx FIP Virus RealPCR evaluates for mutations of feline coronavirus to the pathogenic FIPV biotype.

Idexx says that this new two-tier diagnostic approach will help veterinary surgeons rule out or positively diagnose FIP, a condition which has hitherto been extremely difficult and frustrating to diagnose.

Simon Wootton, Idexx’s Companion Animal Group’s Northern European Marketing Manager said: "FIP is a terrible disease, so being able to screen and either confirm or rule out exposure to FCoV is an important additional step in the diagnosis options available to vets. With the ability to screen in minutes, practitioners will be able to decide whether to perform confirmatory and potentially invasive tests for the specific FIPV mutations. This obviously brings benefits to aid pet owners."

Further information is available on the company’s website – www.idexx.eu 

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