Transboundary animal diseases (TADs) including zonooses are highly contagious epidemic diseases that can spread extremely rapidly, irrespective of national borders. Controlling infectious diseases of animals, and minimizing their impact on countries’ economies and livelihoods of people is crucial. Veterinary laboratories can play a critical role in the early detection of new or re-emerging animal diseases, as well as in the fight against endemic diseases and in addressing complex issues at the human-animal-environment interface.