8-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 9, 2003

SYNBIOTICS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

California	0-11303	95-3737816
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation )	Commission file number	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

11011 Via Frontera San Diego, California (Address of principal executive offices) 92127 (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (858) 451-3771

Item 5. Other Events

On April 22, 2003, we issued a press release responding to an article entitled “Veterinarians Versus SARS”, which appeared on the Forbes.com web site on April 10, 2003. The article discussed Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (“SARS”) and its potential link to animal coronavirus. The article indicated that we have been involved in the development of animal coronavirus vaccines. While we have previously marketed animal vaccines, we have never developed or marketed an animal coronavirus vaccine, nor do we currently have any plans to develop such a vaccine in the future.

We also announced that on April 9, 2003, we were notified by Agen Biomedical, Ltd. (“Agen”) that Agen was terminating its supply agreement with us due to our alleged breach of contract. Agen currently manufactures certain of our Witness^® in-clinic diagnostic products including canine heartworm, feline leukemia, feline heartworm and canine parvovirus. These Witness^® products represent a significant percentage of our sales. Based on discussions with our legal counsel, we notified Agen that Agen does not have the right to terminate the Agreement. We are attempting to amicably resolve the dispute with Agen.

Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits

a) Financial statements of businesses acquired

Not applicable.

b) Pro forma financial information

Not applicable.

c) Exhibits

99 Press release dated April 22, 2003, entitled “ Synbiotics Responds to Article on SARS and Announces Dispute with Supplier”.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

		SYNBIOTICS CORPORATION
Date:	April 23, 2003		/s/    KEITH A. BUTLER
			Keith A. Butler Vice President—Finance and Chief Financial Officer

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.

EXHIBITS

TO

FORM 8-K

UNDER

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

SYNBIOTICS CORPORATION

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.	Exhibit
99	Press release dated April 22, entitled “ Synbiotics Responds to Article on SARS and Announces Dispute with Supplier”.

EX-99

Exhibit 99

11011 Via Frontera San Diego, CA 92127 Tel: 858-451-3771 Fax: 858-451-5719

Paul R. Hays	Keith A. Butler
President & COO	Vice President and CFO
858-451-3771 x1401	858-451-3771 x1413
paulh@synbiotics.com	keith@synbiotics.com

Synbiotics Responds to Article on SARS and

Announces Dispute with Supplier

San Diego, California: April 22, 2003 — Synbiotics Corporation (OTCBB: SBIO) today responded to an article entitled, “Veterinarians Versus SARS” which appeared on the Forbes.com web site on April 10, 2003. The article discussed Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (“SARS”) and its potential link to animal coronavirus. The article indicated that Synbiotics had been involved in the development of animal coronavirus vaccines. While Synbiotics has previously marketed animal vaccines, it has never developed or marketed an animal coronavirus vaccine, nor does Synbiotics currently have any plans to develop such a vaccine in the future.

On April 9, 2003, Synbiotics was notified by Agen Biomedical, Ltd. (“Agen”) that Agen was terminating its supply agreement with Synbiotics due to Synbiotics’ alleged breach of contract. Agen currently manufactures certain Synbiotics Witness® in-clinic diagnostic products including canine heartworm, feline leukemia, feline heartworm and canine parvovirus. These Witness® products represent a significant percentage of Synbiotics’ sales. Based on discussions with its legal counsel, Synbiotics notified Agen that Agen does not have the right to terminate the agreement. Synbiotics is attempting to amicably resolve the dispute with Agen.

Synbiotics Corporation develops, manufactures and markets veterinary diagnostics, instrumentation and related products for the companion animal, large animal and poultry markets worldwide. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Synbiotics manufactures and distributes its products through its operations in San Diego, CA, and Lyon, France. For information on Synbiotics and its products, visit the Company’s website at www.synbiotics.com.

With the exception of historical matters, the issues discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that are subject to the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, including competition from larger companies, reliance on third-party manufacturers and distributors, possible technology improvements by others, the ability to assimilate acquired businesses, the continued effect on the business from our 2002 lack of liquidity, the seasonality of major portions of the Company’s business and other risks set forth in Synbiotics Corporation’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, particularly Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. These forward-looking statements represent Synbiotics Corporation’s judgment as of the date of the release. Synbiotics Corporation disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

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