Laboratory testing of animal samples and carcases by APHA
How vets can submit samples to APHA laboratory testing services and prices for these services.
Vets in England and Wales can submit samples from animals to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) for diagnostic testing. You may be able to submit a carcase for a post-mortem examination depending on the circumstances.
All submission forms can be found in the APHA testing forms collection.
Farm animals
APHA offers a subsidised rate for diagnostic tests on farm animals in England and Wales as part of its disease surveillance activities.
Read the guidance and find the correct form to submit:
- samples from farm animals for diagnostic testing
- carcases or live farm animals for post-mortem examinations
Wildlife
You can submit samples or carcases from wildlife to APHA for diagnostic testing or post-mortem examination.
Contact your nearest veterinary investigation centre to discuss the case. The carcase may be accepted under the APHA Diseases of Wildlife Scheme (DoWS). Carcases accepted under DoWS are usually eligible for free collection.
Use the general diagnostic test submission form to submit a sample or carcase.
To report dead wild birds use the dedicated service.
If you suspect the wildlife has died as a result of:
- wildlife crime, you must report this to the police
- poisoning from pesticides or rodenticides, call the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WISS) on 0800 321 600 (calls are free)
- a notifiable disease, you must report it to APHA field services immediately
Pets (small animals)
Use the:
- APHA Weybridge: general testing form for serology, PCR, and parasitology
- general diagnostic test submission form for bacteriology
Pets are not eligible for subsidised testing. Refer to the APHA scientific price list for fees, test codes and turnaround times.
Zoo animals
Read the guidance and download the APHA Weybridge: general testing form to submit samples from zoo animals for diagnostic testing.
Zoo animals are not eligible for subsidised testing. Refer to the APHA scientific price list for fees, test codes and turnaround times.
Post mortem examinations of zoo animals
APHA carries out post mortem examinations on zoo animals on a case-by-case basis.
Contact your nearest Veterinary Investigation Centre to discuss your case before submitting a carcase.
Use the general diagnostic test submission form to submit a carcase for a post-mortem examination.
Animals outside England and Wales
Read the guidance and download the APHA Weybridge: general testing form to submit samples.
Animals outside England and Wales are not eligible for subsidised testing. Refer to the APHA scientific price list for test fees.
For further information, see the APHA Scientific website.
Export, captive avian import and animal breeding control tests
Use the export testing form to test samples for export.
Prices, turn around times and detailed test information are on the export, captive avian import and animal breeding control price list.
Prices quoted apply to:
- tests on animals for export purposes
- import of captive birds – statutory tests required under EU directives
- tests for some artificial insemination purposes
Quality and accreditation
APHA laboratories are accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to the internationally recognised ISO/IEC 17025 standard for laboratory competence. They are UKAS accredited testing laboratories, number 1769.
Most tests performed by APHA are accredited. APHA’s schedule of accreditation, published on the UKAS website, lists the accredited locations and tests.
In some circumstances tests may be subcontracted to non-APHA laboratories. Preference is given to laboratories that hold appropriate accreditation. If no accredited laboratory is available, a laboratory with relevant specialist expertise will be chosen.
Updates to this page
-
Added information on quality and accreditation.
-
First published.