TUSTIN, Calif., July 1, 2026
MiDOG Animal Diagnostics has launched MiDOG Parasite-Only Testing, the first dedicated next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based parasite detection test developed specifically for veterinary medicine, marking a major advancement in molecular diagnostics for animal health. Designed to provide clinicians with a highly focused genomic tool for identifying parasitic and protozoal organisms, the innovative test expands diagnostic capabilities for complex and difficult-to-diagnose infections affecting companion animals, exotic species, zoo animals, aquarium populations, wildlife, conservation programs, and veterinary research. Powered by next-generation sequencing technology and supported by a reference database containing more than 4,300 parasite and protozoan genomes, the test analyzes DNA directly from clinical samples, enabling comprehensive molecular detection beyond the limitations of conventional diagnostic methods. With typical results available within 48 hours, MiDOG’s latest innovation provides veterinarians with a faster, broader, and more precise approach for investigating persistent parasitic diseases while strengthening genomic diagnostics across veterinary medicine.
NGS Technology Expands Parasite Detection Capabilities
Unlike traditional parasite diagnostics that rely on microscopy, targeted PCR panels, or antibody-based testing, MiDOG Parasite-Only Testing utilizes next-generation sequencing to detect a wide range of parasitic and protozoal DNA without requiring clinicians to identify a suspected organism in advance. Rather than asking whether a single parasite is present, the test investigates which parasitic or protozoal DNA exists within the submitted sample, making it especially valuable for chronic, recurrent, atypical, emerging, or species-specific infections that frequently evade routine laboratory testing.
The platform supports diagnosis of clinically significant organisms including Babesia, Cytauxzoon, Hepatozoon, Theileria, and numerous other parasites responsible for gastrointestinal disease, unexplained weight loss, and systemic infections. The broad genomic approach offers veterinarians an important new diagnostic option when conventional testing fails to provide definitive answers, particularly in patients with complex medical histories or unusual clinical presentations.
Supporting Veterinary, Wildlife, and Conservation Medicine
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The newly launched testing platform has been developed to address diagnostic challenges across a wide range of veterinary specialties, extending beyond companion animal practice into exotic animal medicine, zoological institutions, aquariums, wildlife rehabilitation, conservation programs, and biomedical research. MiDOG’s expanding parasite genomics program has already contributed to investigations involving Cryptosporidium serpentis in snakes, Cystoisospora infections affecting endangered black-footed ferrets, Neodermophthirus harkemai in aquarium-housed lemon sharks, and the first genomic detection of Tritrichomonas foetus in a domestic dog.
These projects highlight the growing role of molecular diagnostics in protecting both animal health and biodiversity while improving clinical decision-making in rare and challenging cases. The company’s genomic research has also contributed numerous parasite reference genomes to publicly available scientific databases, helping strengthen global resources for parasite identification and classification.
Advancing Precision Diagnostics for Animal Health
By combining high-throughput sequencing, an extensive genomic reference library, and rapid turnaround times, MiDOG Animal Diagnostics aims to transform how veterinarians investigate persistent infectious diseases. Every additional parasite genome incorporated into the company’s growing database enhances the accuracy and sensitivity of molecular detection, allowing clinicians to identify organisms that historically remained undiagnosed using conventional laboratory methods.
The company believes the launch of MiDOG Parasite-Only Testing represents another important step toward precision veterinary medicine, where genomic technologies support earlier diagnosis, more targeted treatment decisions, and improved patient outcomes across diverse animal species. As advanced molecular diagnostics continue expanding throughout veterinary healthcare, MiDOG’s first dedicated NGS-based parasite detection platform positions the company at the forefront of innovation while providing veterinary professionals with powerful new tools for managing complex parasitic diseases worldwide.
Source: MiDOG Animal Diagnostics press release
