This technical handbook aims to provide an easy to follow overview of the basic laboratory techniques, and sample collection guidelines, that we consider useful for staff working in district veterinary facilities in regions that lack the infrastructural support available for staff with ready access to national veterinary laboratories.

Isolated regions of the world are often at the forefront of emerging diseases. To be effective in disease prevention and control, they require basic resources for field sample collection and testing. Technical support for field extension staff, and the availability of reliable diagnostic testing facilities, are also vital to ensure sustainable livelihoods for subsistence farmers. This technical handbook aims to provide an easy to follow overview of the basic laboratory techniques and sample collection guidelines. The third edition provides the reader with a summary of basic diagnostic procedures and sample submission guidelines.