IDEXX Laboratories Inc. (NASDAQ: IDXX) announced the expansion of its Fecal Dx antigen testing platform to include detection of taeniid tapeworm, including Taenia and Echinococcus species.

The company stated that Fecal Dx antigen testing can detect up to twice as many intestinal parasite infections earlier than fecal flotation alone. Since launching in 2012, more than 50 million Fecal Dx antigen tests have been conducted worldwide.

This marks the third menu expansion in four years for the platform. The addition brings the total number of detected intestinal parasite groups to seven, including hookworm, roundworm, whipworm, flea tapeworm, taeniid tapeworm, Cystoisospora and Giardia in select panels.

Taenia and Echinococcus species are recognized by the Companion Animal Parasite Council as clinically important parasites. Echinococcus species can pose zoonotic risk in areas where it is endemic, including parts of Europe, the United States and Canada.

"The addition of taeniid tapeworm detection to IDEXX Fecal Dx makes this an even more complete intestinal parasite screen for cats and dogs," said Michael Rose, DVM, Managing Owner at Monticello Animal Hospital. "This allows veterinarians to institute medical treatment early, which helps protect pet health and reduce zoonotic risk to owners."

Beginning in late June, Fecal Dx antigen testing panels and profiles for IDEXX Reference Laboratories customers in the United States and Canada will automatically include taeniid tapeworm detection at no additional cost.

IDEXX is headquartered in Maine and employs approximately 11,000 people, offering solutions to customers in more than 175 countries and territories.