Dr P Majiwa, the Manager for Molecular Epidemiology and Diagnostics Programme at ARC-OVI explained that the purpose of the diagnostic services is to improve and apply routine and novel diagnostic tests as required by clients. The tests reveal the presence of an agent that is responsible for a particular disease in an animal, identify if an animal has been exposed to an agent responsible for a particular disease, and reveal presence of contaminants in food or food products derived from animals. Dr Majiwa reported that approximately 270 different tests are done by competent technical staff under professional supervision on different sample types; and the exact numbers of tests vary with seasons throughout each year. He mentioned that some of the industries that are supported by the Institute are the red meat (beef, mutton, and embryos), poultry (chickens and ostriches), pigs, wildlife and tourism (buffalo relocation etc.), as well as companion and work animals (horses, dogs and cats).