The laboratory network in Australia and New Zealand – an evolving system

This paper discusses the network of government, private and university veterinary laboratories in Australia and New Zealand and how it is adapting and evolving to meet the challenges it faces. It includes the mechanisms for standardisation of procedures, quality assurance, and the role of national reference laboratories hosted by state government laboratories. It also highlights the crisis in supply of veterinary diagnosticians, especially the declining numbers of veterinary pathologists. Recent positive changes include the setting up of the National Animal Health Laboratory Strategy and an initiative to empower State and Territory government laboratories to test for exotic diseases. The ideal outcome for Australia and New Zealand is a laboratory service that remains the gold standard around the world.