DIGITAL ANGEL'S DESTRON FEARING UNIT AND ANIMAL PROFILING INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCE SPECIAL SPRING 2010 VIRAL DISEASE TESTING PROGRAM
Program's Goal is to Improve Herd Health and Productivity for U.S. Livestock Producers
SO. ST. PAUL, MN (January 26, 2010) - Digital Angel's Destron Fearing unit, a leader in the field of animal identification solutions, and Portland, OR-based Animal Profiling International (API), a global leader in animal diagnostics, announced today a joint program to increase the number of animals to be tested for BVD-PI (Bovine Viral Diarrhea Persistent Infection) in the U.S. As part of the program, API will provide special BVD-PI test pricing to producers who purchase Destron Fearing™ cattle tags this spring.
The BVD virus is one of the largest herd health concerns for the cattle industry. Recent estimates indicate that BVD costs the U.S. cattle industry about $2.1 billion annually. The leading cause of BVD is persistently infected calves, which can cost an operation between $14 and $24 per head. Testing to identify and remove these animals from the herd is a producer's best tool to limit the impact of this disease in livestock production operations. "This partnership is a first for the industry and is in keeping with the stated goals of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA), the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) and the Academy of Veterinary Consultants (AVC) relating to control and eradication of BVD, which is the most costly viral disease in the U.S.," stated Bruce W. Hoffman, DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) and President of API.
Joseph J. Grillo, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Angel, added, "Destron Fearing is pleased to enter this partnership with API to help improve the overall herd health of cattle producers and to limit the costs of BVD across the industry. As a leader in the Animal ID industry, we are constantly looking for opportunities to help livestock producers attain greater productivity and profitability in their operations. We think that this BVD-PI program can greatly assist in achieving healthier herds, which is good for everyone in the industry."
Producers can realize a number of benefits from testing their herds for BVD-PI animals. Testing can improve operational profitability by enabling producers to market and sell calves as BVD-PI negative, creating market confidence in their herds and resulting in potential premiums at sale time. In addition, by testing for and removing BVD-PI animals producers can reduce the number of BVD abortions and improve pregnancy rates. Finally, limiting the amount of BVD-associated sickness in the herd tends to result in lower health care costs and reduced losses from animal deaths.
Testing for BVD-PI animals is a simple and straightforward procedure. During spring processing and tagging time a small ear notch sample is taken and put it into a test tube marked with the calf's ear tag management number. Producers can send the samples to API and receive test results on the next business day after the sample is received by the lab. Ear notchers and test tubes can be obtained at most local animal health supply stores. Instructions on how to ship the samples to API will be included in most Destron Fearing Duflex® brand cattle ear tag retail bags. Purchasers of Duflex cattle tags sold without these instructions can call Destron Fearing Customer Service at 1-800-328-0118 to receive instruction forms.
About Destron Fearing and Digital Angel
Destron Fearing is a subsidiary of Digital Angel (NASDAQ: DIGA), an advanced technology company in the field of animal identification and emergency identification solutions. Digital Angel's products are utilized around the world in such applications as pet identification, using its patented, FDA-approved implantable microchip; livestock identification and herd management using visual and radio frequency identification (RFID) ear tags; and global positioning systems (GPS) search and rescue beacons for army, navy and air force applications worldwide. For further information please visit www.destronfearing.com and www.digitalangel.com.
About API
Animal Profiling International, Inc. is dedicated to the improvement of animal health management through risk-assessment testing technologies, advanced animal identification systems and source age verification systems. The company's goal is to improve cattle health, performance, and management techniques for operators in the beef and dairy industries. API's industry experts provide the products and services that hands-on cattle managers need to make their jobs easier, more efficient, and more profitable. The company is headquartered at 6040 North Cutter Circle, Suite 317, Portland, OR 97217; phone: (877) 278-1344. Animal Profiling International (API) and WriteTAG System are trademarks of Animal Profiling International, Inc.
This press release contains certain "forward-looking" statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Forward-looking statements included in this press release include, without limitation, those concerning expectations regarding expected benefits of the testing program. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Additional information about these and other factors that could affect the Company's businesses is set forth in the Company's Form 10-K under the caption "Risk Factors" filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 31, 2009, and subsequent filings with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this statement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.
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