Zoetis, formerly Pfizer Animal Health has launched Ovatec Plus, which it claims will make equine faecal collection and in-practice worm count testing quicker and easier.Zoetis, formerly Pfizer Animal Health has launched Ovatec Plus, which it claims will make equine faecal collection and in-practice worm count testing quicker and easier.

Ovatec Plus is designed to facilitate the in-house detection of worm burdens by enabling the coproscopic examination of parasite eggs, larvae and cysts. Zoetis says the built-in sample collection scoop allows for hands-off, quick, clean sample collection and controlled sample size, while the built-in cap, which can be written on for easy identification, snaps shut to seals the contents safely for contamination-free transport.

The system is based on zinc sulphate flotation technology, with a flotation time of ten minutes to provide rapid analysis. The Ova-Spin feature will break up difficult samples. The positive-locking filter chamber prevents any spill of test samples and reduces operator exposure to potential hazards. The overflow reservoir prevents overfills leaking onto the lab bench.

Zoetis says the high sensitivity and excellent specificity of Ovatec Plus enable informed treatment decisions to be made. A study has shown that samples proving negative with Ovatec Plus provide 95% certainty that the sample is <150epg and 100% certainty that the sample is <250epg, which means treatment may not be necessary1. Samples that prove positive, with one or more eggs seen, can be verified using a quantitative technique if needed, alternatively treatment may be indicated.

Ben Lacey, equine business unit manager at Zoetis, said: "Ovatec Plus is an excellent addition to our equine worm control portfolio. It's ideal for use in many test situations, giving a quick, easy and convenient solution."

To find out more, speak to your Zoetis Account Manager, call 0845 300 8034 or email CustomerSupportUK@zoetis.com.

Reference

  1. Rosyn R.  et al., EVALUATION OF THE OVATEC PLUS FLOTATION METHOD AS A DECISION TOOL FOR SELECTIVE ANTHELMINTHIC TREATMENT AGAINST STRONGYLES IN HORSES.  Joint Meeting of the Belgian and Dutch Societies for Parasitology,  Antwerpen,  Belgium,  19 October 2012

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