Submitting a sample from outside the UK

We can accept blood, tissue, faecal and swab (mouth, eye and throat) samples from EU countries and canine or feline blood and swab samples from the non-EU countries listed below (genetic testing only)

* Please follow this guidance for sending research and diagnostic samples from EU members states and Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands

1. Download and print the APHA Facilitation letter.

2. Download, print and complete the Inventory Form. This form also contains a check-list.

3. Include a copy of these documents in the package containing your samples.

Please note: We can only accept canine and feline blood and buccal swabs for genetic testing from a few non-EU countries listed below

1. Download and print the DEFRA import licence for: Australia, Belarus, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine and USA.

2. Download, print and complete the Inventory Form. This form also contains a check-list.

3. The veterinary surgeon responsible for sampling the animals must provide, on headed/official paper, a signed letter that includes the following declaration:

“These products are not derived from animals known or suspected to be infected with a pathogen which causes a notifiable disease to which the animals from which the products are derived are susceptible according to European Regulations* or the Animal Health Regulations of the exporting country. These products do not originate from animals in a premises or region or zone of a country that is subject to official restrictions due to a notifiable disease to which the animals are susceptible according to European or other National Animal Health Regulations.”

*Council Directive 82/894/EEC of 21 December 1982 (as amended) on the notification of animal diseases within the Community.

4. Attach ALL THREE documents to the OUTSIDE of the package containing your samples.

An import licence is not required for importation of animal DNA into the UK. Please however include a copy of this letter as well as a completed declaration. Please attach the letter and signed declaration to the outside of the package containing your samples.