Life Technologies Introduces First USDA-Licensed Real-Time PCR Test for the Detection of Tritrichomonas foetus DNA in Bulls

US - Life Technologies Corporation, now Thermo Fisher Scientific, today announced the availability of the only USDA-licensed, real-time PCR test to detect Tritrichomonas foetus (T. foetus) – a sexually transmitted disease in cattle that leads to early embryonic losses and infertility, resulting in significant economic impact to the cattle industry due to open (non-pregnant) and late-calving cows.
calendar icon 20 March 2014
clock icon 2 minute read

Thermo Fisher Scientific

The VetMAX-Gold Trich Detection Kit provides veterinary diagnostic laboratories with a test that provides highly sensitive and specific results through real-time PCR amplification of T. foetus DNA.

Accurate testing to identify positive bulls is the only way to prevent the spread of Trichomoniasis disease prior to cows being exposed to bulls. Infected bulls do not show any outward signs of infection.

“USDA licensing ensures increased confidence in accurate testing results that are critical for the cattle industry to effectively manage bovine Trichomoniasis,” said Kirk Adams, Animal Health Global Product Management Leader, Life Technologies. “Validating the sensitivity and specificity of this diagnostic test through the USDA approval process shows Life’s commitment to offer quality products and invest in the research needed to secure this license.”

The approval of the VetMAX-Gold Trich Detection Kit is based on the successful completion of the USDA’s stringent review process to ensure effectiveness of the real-time PCR test, manufactured in our USDA licensed and inspected production facility.

Veterinary diagnosticians have historically relied on Life Technologies’ molecular reagents and instrumentation to detect and control animal diseases.

However, the USDA-licensed product now provides them with a federally approved diagnostic test for Trichomoniasis containing all the necessary reagents and controls in a single detection kit. 

VetMAX-Gold Trich Detection Kit

An alternative to the culture testing method, real-time PCR diagnostic methodology results in a more convenient and accurate test from one sample run in comparison to three culture tests spanning a three-week period.

Additionally, because of the sensitivity of real-time PCR, samples can be pooled for greater test cost efficiencies.

The VetMAX-Gold Trich Detection Kit is licensed with a USDA label claim for pooling up to five samples.

“Life Technologies is committed to the animal health industry by providing next generation molecular tools that help veterinary laboratory diagnosticians more accurately test for diseases of economic impact,” said Mr Adams.

“Real-time PCR has the potential to become a new standard for T. foetus testing and will help multiple states find common ground for the harmonization of using the best diagnostic technology solution to manage Trichomoniasis within and between states.”

 

 

 

TheCattleSite News Desk

© 2000 - 2024 - Global Ag Media. All Rights Reserved | No part of this site may be reproduced without permission.