The changing roles of veterinary laboratories in Australia
Rob RahaleyBiosecurity SA
Primary Industries and Regions South Australia
Tel: +61 8 8207 7970
Email: rob.rahaley@sa.gov.au
Microbiology Australia 34(1) 12-18 https://doi.org/10.1071/MA13005
Published: 20 March 2013
Abstract
Over the past 30 years there has been a major restructure of government veterinary laboratory services in Australia coinciding with, but not directly related to, the proliferation of private veterinary laboratories. State and territory government services have been increasingly centralised with greater focus on surveillance for exotic and emerging animal diseases and a shift away from animal health research. Private pathology services have flourished as veterinary practitioners increasingly value laboratory support for their clinical assessments and animal owners are prepared to spend more for the care of their pets. Future challenges and opportunities exist for governments to maximise return on investment in laboratories through minimising duplication of services, leveraging the academic and infrastructure resources of university veterinary schools and better utilising the efficiencies of the private sector.
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