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For Immediate Release

AntelBio Now Offers BVD Testing On DHI Milk Samples

July 13, 2007

Antel BioSystems, Inc. (AntelBio) announced they have validated two testing procedures for detecting Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) antigen in DHI milk samples. Following the introduction of milk tests for Johne’s disease in 2001 and bovine leukosis in 2004, the new BVD tests will enable veterinarians and producers to identify persistently infected (PI) cows without the costs of animal sorting, restraining and sampling associated with traditional blood or ear-notch analysis.

The first test is a reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay designed to detect the presence of virus in bulk tank/group samples. The RT-PCR assay was adapted from published procedures, and is capable of conservatively detecting a single PI cow in bulk tanks/groups containing milk from up to 250 individual cows. The second test AntelBio is making available is an antigen detection ELISA for milk to detect individual PI cows within bulk tanks/groups that have tested positive by RT-PCR. The milk ELISA utilized by AntelBio correlated perfectly with over 400 standard ear-notch and/or serum analyses in infected herds.

In combination, these testing procedures offer a convenient, cost-effective means of screening dairy herds experiencing, or at high risk of BVD outbreaks. “Clearly, the ability to reduce the amount of sampling and testing required to identify PI cows affords a substantial cost savings to veterinarians and producers trying to find the proverbial PI needle in the haystack,” says Dr. Todd Byrem, AntelBio’s Director of Operations. “This testing program provides a quick and convenient option for screening the milking herd, and is a great companion to testing programs which screen calves in herds battling BVD infection.”

AntelBio’s BVD milk testing options are available by calling 800.631.3510 or by contacting your local DHI. Bulk tank/group tests cost $40 per assay and individual milk ELISAs are $6. In addition to testing, AntelBio works with veterinarians and producers to establish customized testing programs for larger herds.

AntelBio is an innovative animal testing center devoted to the development and implementation of novel diagnostics for agriculture. A subsidiary of NorthStar Cooperative Inc, a Midwest US agricultural organization, AntelBio is working to implement disease testing into the infrastructure of traditional animal recording through Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI). By assimilation of health, genetic and reproductive information, NorthStar Cooperative and AntelBio are providing impetus and innovation to generate comprehensive solutions for producer results.

For more information contact:
Bridgette Voisinet, AntelBio Communications
Phone: 800.471.3978
E-mail: voisinetb@antelbio.com
Web : antelbio.com

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