The following requirements should be fulfilled:

1. Intending exporters (owners and/or agents) must advise the Animal Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) [phone (02) 8334 7434; fax (02) 8334 7430] of their intent to export, at least four (4) weeks prior to the commencement of testing, otherwise there can be no guarantee that testing will be completed and certification provided to allow export to proceed on schedule. Field veterinarians should check to ensure this requirement has been met.
2. The veterinarian submitting material is totally responsible for determining the tests required. This information must be included on the Specimen Submission Form. Specific requirements for testing of stock for each overseas export destination can be obtained from the Animal Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) [phone (02) 8334 7434; fax (02) 8334 7430).
3. The name of the official veterinarian supplying the information on export testing requirements should be advised and stated on the Specimen Submission Form. This will allow the laboratory to check on any changes in requirements, where necessary, and to prepare quotations for the cost of laboratory services.
4. The name of the agent or shipping company involved should be supplied on the Specimen Submission Form with telephone/facsimile numbers.
5. The Officer-in-Charge of the Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Menangle or his/her appointed nominee should be advised of the expected dates of sampling and shipment of the animals prior to the submission of the specimens.
6. The vendor of the stock should be listed as the owner of the stock rather than the agent or shipping company. This allows different lots to be traced, when animals are being purchased from several properties.
7. Full legal animal identification details should be cross-matched to sample identification and documented.
8. It is particularly important for export testing that samples of good quality and adequate quantity be submitted and that they be correctly labelled.
9. For all overseas export testing the samples should be forwarded directly to:
   Officer-in-Charge,
   Regional Veterinary Laboratory,
   Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute,
   Woodbridge Road,
   MENANGLE NSW 2568
10. The Regional Veterinary Laboratory and the Central Laboratories at EMAI, Menangle offer almost all required export tests for livestock. The RVL Menangle co-ordinates most export testing in NSW and can be contacted by all field veterinarians directly for enquiries and assistance.