Fast and accurate diagnosis and monitoring of animal diseases can make the difference between living in poverty and having a steady source of food and income. In countries where livestock play a key role in everyday life and development, a network of laboratories called 'VETLAB' offer scientists an avenue for diagnosing and monitoring diseases using nuclear and nuclear-derived techniques to help ensure a stable future for farmers. The IAEA, in cooperation with the FAO, trained scientists at its laboratories in Seibersodrf, Austria, to use nuclear derived techniques for quick and accurate diagnosis of animal diseases.