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Neogen's new TetraStar(R) dairy antibiotic test for tetracyclinescomplements the company's widely used BetaStar(R) test for the beta-lactamgroup of dairy antibiotics, which includes amoxicillin, ampicillin,cephapirin, cloxacillin, and penicillin. TetraStar produces clear results in amarket-best six minutes, and like BetaStar, is an extremely simple dipsticktest that requires only minimal training and equipment to produce consistentlyaccurate results.
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"As tetracyclines have emerged as a second choice of antibiotics to beta-lactams for the management of mastitis in dairy herds in certain regions ofthe world, the concern over tetracycline drug residues in milk has grown,"said Lon Bohannon, Neogen's president. "Developing TetraStar allows us tooffer the worldwide dairy industry yet another simple solution to protect itsconsumers and businesses. Two years ago when we acquired the dairy antibioticsbusiness from UCB, including its popular BetaStar line, we did so with theidea of expanding the business by introducing new products based on marketdemand. Launching TetraStar today is yet another example of our commitment tosupply innovative products to help meet our customers' needs."
Because the tetracyclines group of dairy antibiotics is not yet used asuniversally as the beta-lactam group, regulations governing the maximumallowable levels of tetracyclines in milk are not as widespread. As theEuropean Union has set a maximum residue level of 100 parts per billion fortetracyclines in milk, Neogen expects the strongest initial interest for itsTetraStar product from EU countries, and especially Spain, where tetracyclinesare more widely used.
The worldwide market for antibiotic testing of milk has been estimated toexceed $60 million. A significant portion of that total market is in theUnited States, where virtually every load of raw milk delivered to dairyprocessing plants is tested for antibiotic residues.
In addition to its growing line of dairy antibiotic tests, Neogen's FoodSafety Division also offers the dairy industry: rapid milk allergen tests thatallow multipurpose production lines to be tested quickly and reliablyfollowing the sanitation process; rapid foodborne pathogen and indicatororganism tests to ensure product safety and quality; and an unequaledsanitation monitoring system that puts the speed and convenience of ATPtesting in a lightweight, rugged instrument that fits in the palm of one'shand. Neogen's Animal Safety Division also offers the dairy industry a widevariety of offerings, including a comprehensive line of hoof care andobstetrical products.
Neogen Corporation develops and markets products dedicated to food andanimal safety. The company's Food Safety Division markets dehydrated culturemedia, and diagnostic test kits to detect foodborne bacteria, natural toxins,genetic modifications, food allergens, drug residues, plant diseases andsanitation concerns. Neogen's Animal Safety Division markets a complete lineof diagnostics, veterinary instruments, veterinary pharmaceuticals,nutritional supplements, disinfectants, and rodenticides.
SOURCE Neogen Corporation
