Avitar, Inc. Launches Canine Security Detection Program Targeting Schools

March 21, 2001

CANTON, Mass., and GAINESVILLE, Texas, March 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Avitar, Inc. (Amex: - news) announced today that it is launching a Canine Security Detection Program on a regional basis with plans to expand the program nationally. BJR Security Service, a recently acquired division of Avitar, provides canine detection services to enforce tighter security in schools by using trained dogs to identify illegal contraband and paraphernalia such as firearms, explosives and narcotics. The Dog Security Detection Program, when fully implemented, will target an estimated 17,000 schools across the nation. The potential market for canine detection services in schools is estimated in excess of $75 million annually.

As a recent example of BJR's services, on March 8, a rural community in Cooke County, North Texas, took no chances on an anonymous threat being a prank when it received an imminent weapons threat at a local high school. BJR Security Service responded and provided crucial contraband inspection and information that helped to successfully prevent an incident and discourage future events.

``BJR responded quickly and professionally to a potentially dangerous situation. Given recent events, we take threats very seriously and the presence of a BJR explosive detection canine provided peace of mind that would not have been possible otherwise,'' said Larry Smith, Callisburg, Texas Independent School District Principal. ``With BJR's help we expect to discourage situations like this in the future and are confident that we will be prepared to address future events rapidly,'' added Smith.

``It is unfortunate that our schools are not as safe as they can be. Avitar is pleased that we can contribute nationally to a safer learning environment by detecting problems before they arise using the BJR dog detection model that has proven to be effective in Texas,'' stated Peter P. Phildius, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Avitar. ``BJR also offers an exciting opportunity to expand our market for ORALscreen while making our schools a better and more secure place for our children,'' added Phildius.

ABOUT BJR SECURITY SERVICE

BJR Security Service, a recently acquired wholly owned subsidiary of Avitar, Inc. implements regularly scheduled and randomly announced searches for illegal contraband specializing in firearms, explosives, and narcotics by using a trained force of canines for discovering paraphernalia. In addition to contraband inspection and detection services, BJR also provides workplace and school systems with drug education services. Customers include Texaco, Pennzoil, Conoco, Kerr Magee and approximately 100 public and private schools in Texas.

ABOUT AVITAR

Avitar, Inc. (Amex: - news) headquartered in Canton, Massachusetts, develops, manufactures and markets innovative medical devices based on proprietary core technologies for two distinctive markets: oral fluid diagnostics and customized polyurethane applications used in the wound dressing industry. Oral fluid diagnostics includes both the drugs-of-abuse testing market estimated to be worth $1.5 billion encompassing the corporate workplace and criminal justice markets and the $20 billion clinical diagnostics market. Avitar's products include ORALscreen(TM), the world's first non-invasive, rapid, onsite oral fluid test for drugs-of-abuse, and HAIRscreen(TM) a laboratory based hair test for detecting long-term drug abuse. Additionally, the company manufactures and markets HYDRASORB(TM), an absorbent topical dressing for moderate to heavy exudating wounds. In 2001, the company formed strategic partnerships with DIPRO Diagnostic Products GmbH, Pinkerton Security Group and acquired Texas-based BJR Security Service provider of canines trained to detect narcotics, explosives and firearms for markets that include education and the oil and petroleum industry.

For more information, see Avitar's website at avitarinc.com.

This release contains forward looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties including the development and marketing of new applications and other risks that are detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.