Submit samples from farm animals for diagnostic testing
How vets in England and Wales can submit samples to APHA for non-statutory diagnostic testing.
Applies to England and Wales
Vets in England and Wales can submit samples from farm animals to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) for non-statutory diagnostic testing.
Farm animals include:
- cattle
- pigs
- sheep and goats
- poultry and gamebirds
- other farmed mammals including rabbits, deer, alpacas and llamas
This service is only available to practising veterinary surgeons. APHA offers a subsidised rate for diagnostic tests on farm animals in England and Wales as part of its disease surveillance activities.
These forms are for farmed animal submissions. You need to use different forms for export purposes or statutory testing.
Submitting samples
Taking samples
Read our guidance on sample and test selection for the diagnosis of common clinical presentations in farm animals for:
- common disease signs
- recommended tests
- sample types
- sampling guidance
You must immediately report any suspected cases of notifiable diseases in animals.
Complete a submission form
You can use the online Animal Disease Testing Service (ADTS) to create a submission if you’re submitting samples from a farm in England or Wales. You can also use this service to check your results.
Alternatively, you can download a form for the species you are testing:
- cattle
- pigs
- sheep and goats
- poultry and gamebirds
- other farmed mammals, for example, rabbits, deer, alpacas and llamas
Complete the form in full. Your results may be delayed if you do not provide all the required information.
You can use the same form for different tests in the same batch.
Where to send samples
Testing is carried out at APHA laboratories across the country. Read the guidance on where to send animal samples and common test codes.
Packing samples
You must follow the rules for packaging and sending pathological material.
Fees, test codes and turnaround times
Search for the fees, codes and maximum turnaround times for each test on the APHA surveillance price list.
Making a payment
You enter into a contract with APHA when you submit samples for testing.
You will be sent an invoice with instructions on how to set up an account to make payment. You must pay within 28 days of the date of invoice. APHA reserves the right to withhold services for accounts in arrears.
For more information see our general terms and conditions.
Receiving your test results
Test results are returned as soon as possible. Check the price list for the maximum processing time for each test.
Reports are sent by email. You can ask for the report to be sent by post. Reports sent by special delivery will result in extra charges and you will need to ask the centre for this service. You can also ask that results are sent to someone other than yourself.
Get expert advice
Contact the Veterinary Investigation Officer at your nearest Veterinary Investigation Centre (VIC) to:
- get free advice
- discuss a clinical case
- ask which tests you need
- report an unusual disease occurrence
How APHA uses data for disease surveillance
Your data will be used as part of the disease surveillance carried out by APHA.
APHA uses this data to monitor the emergence of new diseases and changes in the pattern of existing ones, so that appropriate interventions to control disease can be made.
You need to fully complete the correct APHA submission form so that this surveillance data can be collected.
Samples may be used anonymously for further disease surveillance or research work. If you do not want your data to be used in this way, write this on the submission form or contact the Veterinary Investigation Centre.
Find out more about animal disease surveillance at APHA.