NEW YORK (December 10, 2008)—Producers concerned about animals that may be carriers of Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM), previously known as Curly Calf Syndrome in the U.S., may now begin submitting samples to Pfizer Animal Genetics. The company will bank samples until a commercial test is available in the coming weeks.

“We’re in the process of finalizing the availability of the commercial test developed by Dr. Jon Beever at the University of Illinois,” says Nigel Evans, Vice President of Animal Genetics with Pfizer Animal Health. “We’re excited about being able to collaborate with the global cattle industry to provide this important genetic test in an effort to identify AM carrier animals and reduce the impact of the genetic disorder world-wide.”

Producers with Angus or Angus-influenced animals who wish to have their animals tested should download a sample order form from www.pfizeranimalgenetics.com. Samples may be sent as hair follicles, blood FTA^® cards, semen samples or whole blood samples in purple-topped blood tubes. When submitting hair samples producers should make sure that more than 25 hair follicles (with bulb) are included to ensure an adequate volume of DNA is available to complete the test.

Producers may visit the Pfizer Animal Genetics Web site (www.pfizeranimalgenetics.com) to download a sample kit that includes order forms and a DNA-sample collection guide. Producers are encouraged to visit the site on a regular basis for ongoing news and information updates.

AM is a lethal genetic defect that affects Angus and Angus-influenced cattle. Calves carrying two recessive genes—resulting from the mating of two carrier animals—are stillborn with a twisted spine and extended and contracted limbs. AM is expressed as a result of a deletion affecting two genes and has been traced back to a few prominent Angus bloodlines. A significant number of current Angus and Angus-influenced animals are related to these prominent family lines.

Producers with questions about the test can find more information at the Pfizer Animal Genetics Web site or by calling 1-877-BEEF DNA. For a list of results from A.I. bulls that have already been tested, please visit http://www.angus.org/NAAB_release.pdf.

Pfizer Animal Genetics is a business unit of Pfizer Animal Health, a world leader in discovering and developing innovative animal vaccines and prescription medicines. Pfizer Inc is the world’s largest research-based pharmaceutical company.

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