The present study was designed to evaluate the accuracy of the API Coryne test system for identification of Actinomyces pyogenes. The test system correctly identified 36 of 42 A. pyogenes and 4 of 5 comparatively studied Arcanobacterium haemolyticum-cultures. The biochemical profiles of the remaining 6 A. pyogenes- and 1 A. haemolyticum-cultures were not included in the analytical profile index. None of the cultures were misidentified. According to the API database (ATB Plus V 1.5.4.) the unidentified cultures could be correctly identified as A. pyogenes and A. haemolyticum respectively. A greater repertoire of A. pyogenes specific biochemical profiles incorporated into the analytical profile index would improve the applicability of this test system for veterinary diagnostics.