As companion animal healthcare increasingly shifts toward preventive diagnostics, veterinary practices are seeking broader and more efficient screening tools. Against this backdrop, IDEXX Laboratories has expanded its Fecal Dx antigen testing platform to include detection of taeniid tapeworms, further strengthening routine intestinal parasite screening for dogs and cats.

The company announced that its Fecal Dx platform can now identify taeniid tapeworms, including Taenia and Echinococcus species, alongside existing parasite targets. According to IDEXX, the addition marks the third menu expansion of the platform in the past four years and broadens the scope of parasite detection available through a single fecal test.

The move comes as veterinary professionals face growing concerns around zoonotic parasites. Echinococcus species, in particular, are recognized as significant public health risks in regions where they are endemic, including parts of Europe, the United States and Canada.

Since its launch in 2012, more than 50 million Fecal Dx antigen tests have been performed worldwide, reflecting widespread adoption of antigen-based fecal diagnostics in veterinary practice. IDEXX cites evidence showing that antigen testing can detect up to twice as many intestinal parasite infections, and often earlier, compared with fecal flotation alone.

“With each menu expansion, Fecal Dx has grown into a scalable diagnostic platform with increasing clinical scope and practice value,” said Mike Erickson, President and CEO of IDEXX. He noted that broader parasite detection can help veterinary teams incorporate fecal testing more consistently into routine wellness and sick-pet care.

With the latest addition, the platform now screens for seven major intestinal parasite groups, including hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, flea tapeworms, taeniid tapeworms, Cystoisospora and Giardia (in selected panels).

Veterinarians also see value in earlier detection. Dr. Michael Rose, Managing Owner of Monticello Animal Hospital, said the expanded screening capability could support earlier treatment decisions and help reduce parasite-related health risks for both pets and owners.

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

Headquartered in Maine, IDEXX is one of the world’s largest veterinary diagnostics companies, serving customers in more than 175 countries and territories.