New respiratory disease diagnositc service launched

Leading animal health company, Intervet UK, has launched an innovative diagnostic service in conjunction with the Animal Health Trust (AHT) – RespCheck - to help quickly and conveniently identify the cause of respiratory problems in horses.

Revolutionising standard protocol following outbreaks of acute respiratory disease, the kit consists of naso pharyngeal swabs, enabling two horses within an outbreak to be swabbed for a variety of diseases.  These include equine influenza, equine herpesvirus, Streptococcus equi (strangles), pasteurella, rhinovirus and Streptococcus zooepidemicus.  The swabs will then be sent to the AHT for analysis, free of charge, and the results will be returned direct to the vet.

“With outbreaks of equine respiratory diseases continuing to be reported throughout the country, RespCheck is a much needed diagnostic service which will ensure that vets can diagnose conditions before they spread,” comments Alasdair King, veterinary manager at Intervet.  “The initiative will also lead to increased and more accurate disease surveillance.”

RespCheck is available to qualifying practices.  For further information, please contact your Intervet account manager, or phone the company’s Veterinary Support Group on 01908 685685.