Beefing traceability up Prionics closes gap in consumer protection
Zurich (ots) - The world leader in prion diagnostics has landed another coup in the fight against animal diseases and consumer protection. Prionics AG will be promoting the use of the innovative diagnostic ear tag TypiFix, which combines individual livestock identification with tissue sampling.
"The special mummification technique of TypiFix allows it to easily trace back from the fork to the farm", says Prof. Dr. med. Vet. Gottfried Brem, inventor of TypiFix. With a TypiFix sample, it is possible to perform various diagnostic tests, such as detecting viral diseases.
Another application for the innovative system is in animal breeding. If a farmer identifies animals with genetic defects early, they can be excluded from breeding. "There are various potential applications for TypiFix. This makes the system so attractive. The product fills an important gap in consumer protection by combining traceability and diagnostics", says Dr. Bruno Oesch, chairman of Prionics. TypiFix has proven successful in different pilot studies with governments in Europe and livestock producers in the USA. Prionics believes that this diagnostic ear tag will establish itself as an international standard.
Prionics sells and distributes TypiFix over IDnostics AG, a separate business unit, established primarily to market this product. Prionics holds a majority-interest in IDnostics.
About TypiFix
The award winning diagnostic ear tag extracts a tissue sample just when identifying the animal with the ear tag. The ear tissue is conserved at extraction and the farmer can send it to the laboratory for analysis easily and cost effective by mail. The particular mummification technique ensures that a TypiFix sample can be stored at room temperature for years. The sample is suited for diagnostic tests as well as for DNA analysis. The extraction of a tissue sample, which contains an animal's DNA, makes the system tamper-proof.
About Prionics
The world market leader for rapid mad cow testing was founded in 1997 as a spin-off from the University of Zurich. Prionics carries out research and development in diagnostics for prion diseases (such as BSE) and other zoonotic diseases. The recipient of the Swiss Economic Award 2002 as "Company of the year" and winner of the European Biotech Award 2004 for Excellence in Biotech Business; Prionics is driving its business through a combination of outstanding research, high-quality products and novel marketing concepts.
For more information please visit www.prionics.com, www.idnostics.com
Contact:
Stephanie Musshafen
Director of Corporate Communications
Tel.: +41/44/200'20'95
Email: press.relations@prionics.ch