Weekly Companion Animal News: June 1, 2026

IDEXX expands FecalDx antigen testing platform with taeniid tapeworm

IDEXX’s third menu expansion in four years expands its Fecal Dx antigen testing platform with taeniid tapeworm, including Taenia and Echinococcus species. With this addition, Fecal Dx now detects seven of the most clinically relevant intestinal parasite groups, including hookworm, roundworm, whipworm, flea tapeworm, taeniid tapeworm, Cystoisospora and Giardia (in select panels). Fecal Dx is proven to detect up to twice as many intestinal parasite infections earlier than fecal flotation alone, reports the company.

Tractor Supply acquires VIP Petcare

Retailer Tractor Supply Company announced it has acquired veterinary services provider VIP Petcare from PetIQ, a Bansk Group company. VIP Petcare provides mobile veterinary care in the United States, operating community clinics in approximately 2,700 retail locations with national and regional retail partners – including 1,700 Tractor Supply locations – in 39 states. The acquisition combines “VIP Petcare’s in-store veterinary clinics and 24/7 vet access and Allivet’s pharmacy capabilities, all anchored by Tractor Supply’s nationwide footprint, into a seamless omnichannel offering,” the company said in a news release.

Merck is referred to FTC and FDA for Bravecto Quantum once-a-year dosing claims

A panel of the National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate advertising body of BBB National Programs, referred Merck Animal Health to the Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration for failure to comply with its recommendation to discontinue or modify express once-a-year dosing claims for its Bravecto Quantum injectable flea and tick treatment for dogs. Merck appealed the National Advertising Division’s recommendation that it discontinue or modify its express Bravecto Quantum once-a-year dosing claims, which included claims that a “quick injection” provides “1 full year* of flea and tick protection for dogs” and offers “365 days of protection, all in one dose.” The challenger in the case is Elanco Animal Health Inc.

Medline develops spay/neuter surgical packs

Medline announced the availability of custom spay/neuter surgical packs designed to help animal shelters and humane societies, high-volume spay and neuter clinics, and veterinary practices streamline procedures. Surgery packs can group essential, sterile instruments for immediate use, just as they do for human procedures, the company said in a press release. This enables staff to move more quickly between patients.

EveryCat Health Foundation achieves analysis of genome sequences of 1,000 cats

The granting foundation reports its contributions to genomic research by the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine’s 99 Lives Cat Genome Sequencing Initiative have led to analysis of the genome sequences of over 1,000 cats. The Feline Genetics and Comparative Medicine Laboratory has identified 60 DNA variants for diseases and traits, almost 30% of all known cat DNA variants, including those associated with polycystic kidney disease, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, muscular dystrophies and retinal degenerations.

Inventory Ally signs on with dvmGRO

The inventory management program announced a partnership with dvmGRO, a veterinary group purchasing organization reported to support more than 700 independent practices nationwide. In addition to special pricing on Inventory Ally, dvmGRO members can connect their negotiated purchasing benefits directly to weekly ordering on Inventory Ally and simplify replenishment workflows.

Global Innovation Platforms announces OTCID quotation

Global Innovative Platforms, developer of VetBreath, a breath-based test for heartworm and other parasites in dogs, announced that OTC Markets Group has removed the “Shell Risk” designation previously associated with its securities. GIPL’s common stock is now quoted on the OTCID tier of OTC Markets, designating it meets reporting standards and provides current public disclosure.

Veterinarians in Southwest urged to consider NWS during checkups

As New World screwworm creeps closer to the US/Mexican border, pet owners and veterinarians, as well as ranchers and hunters are being urged to watch for unusual wounds, maggots or abnormal fly activity. “There is … concern that some companion animal veterinarians in the U.S. may not consider screwworm in their diagnoses because it is often viewed as a livestock-only issue,” said former Arizona and Nevada state veterinarian Dr. Peter Mundschenk. “In reality, New World screwworm can affect dogs, cats and even humans if eggs are laid in an open wound.”