Veterinary Laboratory and Field Manual : A Guide for Veterinary Laboratory Technicians and Animal Health Advisors

Over many years, donor agencies have invested heavily to assist with the improvement of veterinary services in developing countries, yet it is evident that, in many cases, the service has not reached an important client, the rural farmer.

Investment tends to concentrate on laboratories, and infrastructure, at the national and regional level which leaves a large gap between the service and the farmer.

The most important role of a rural diagnostic laboratory is to provide technical support for animal health extension staff.

This includes the provision of diagnostic services as well as technical advice.

Laboratory results can assist a veterinary officer to make a diagnosis but the correct diagnosis will only be made if the correct samples have been submitted to the laboratory and if the samples are of suitable quality.

This manual provides a practical guide to the laboratory diagnosis of animal diseases with special consideration given to the problems faced by laboratory and field staff in rural areas.This extensive manual aims to bridge the gap between extension and veterinary laboratory services. It is hoped that it will supplement currently available texts used by veterinary officers and veterinary laboratory technicians.