SCHLIEREN-ZURICH, Switzerland, December 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has reviewed field performance data of the BOVIGAM®Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) test and recommends IFN-γ tests for inclusion in the official list of stand-alonetests for bovine tuberculosis (TB). BOVIGAM® is currently widely used as a supplementary test to complement skin testing. Prionics trusts that the positive EFSA opinionwill soon lead to the use of BOVIGAM® as a stand-alone TB test in the European Union.

In its scientific opinion*, the EFSA evaluated a large set of data generated using the BOVIGAM® IFN-γ test as part of the EU TB surveillance. Based on these data, the EFSA concluded that the PPD-based IFN-γ test fulfilled the criteria of being equivalent or superior to skin tests and therefore can be considered for stand-alone testing for TB. The EFSA also discussed a further boosted performance of the test using alternative antigens. Prionics currently offers its BOVIGAM® IFN-γ test both with PPD as well as the alternative antigens (Prionics® PC-EC and PC-HP).

BOVIGAM® is currently used as a supplementary test to complement skin testing in the EU. Elevating the status of the IFN-γ test to an official test in the EU legislation means that BOVIGAM® can be used for stand-alone TB diagnosis, equivalent to the skin test. The IFN-γ test is the only new test recommended by the EFSA. None of the other proposed tests should be considered for inclusion in the official tests for the purpose of granting and retaining official TB-free herd status and for certification for intra-Union trade of bovine animals.

Practical advantages of BOVIGAM®

The EFSA stated that the application of the IFN-γ test offers several practical advantages over the skin test. According to the EFSA, the test is robust and easy to standardize, and has a beneficial impact on workload, safety of personnel and animal welfare.

About Prionics

Prionics AG, based in Zurich, Switzerland, is a leading provider of farm animal diagnostics. Prionics produces and markets innovative diagnostic solutions for major farm animal diseases, aiding in the protection of consumer health. With the acquisition of the tuberculin unit of Lelystad Biologicals B.V., in 2009, Prionics is the largest supplier of bovine tuberculosis diagnostic products.

Prionics is the main sponsor of the 16^th International Symposium of the World Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians in Berlin June 5-8, 2013.

*EFSA Journal 2012;10(12):2975

For more information please visit http://www.prionics.com/tuberculosis  or contact:
Marjan van der Haar, PhD
Marketing Communications
Tel. : +41-44-200-20-57 / +41-79-352-53-16
Email: media@prionics.com