Forensic veterinary pathology

A forensic post-mortem examination (PME) will include the gross examination of all the major organs with photographic documentation, chain of custody of the body and histopathological examination. Further tests such as bacteriological culture, parasitology, entomology and immunohistochemistry will be performed when needed.

  • We accept submissions for forensic PME from veterinary surgeons following receipt of completed documentation
  • As in diagnostic cases these examinations are carried out at the pathologist’s discretion and prior authority is not requested from the submitting veterinary surgeon for routine procedures. We will usually discuss the need for non-routine tests, particularly if samples are submitted to external laboratories (e.g., toxicology)
  • A preliminary report together with photographic documentation is usually provided shortly after the PME, followed by and a final report including the final comment and interpretation of findings
  • As forensic PME require extensive documentation and investigation, the reporting time is longer than in normal cases
  • Animals submitted for PME cannot be released to the owner after the necropsy. This is due to legal requirements (European Waste Catalogue 180202). Animals can be released back to the instructing party, as represent potential evidence
  • We provide Independent Expert Witness Reports on PME investigations. Please contact: Lorzeno Ressel via email lressel@liverpool.ac.uk for further information and fees.

Submit a case

To submit a case contact us via email or phone:

Back to: Veterinary laboratory services