The livestock sector is economically, socially and strategically important in the OIRSA region and even accounts for as much as 50% of agricultural GDP in some countries. Consumption of livestock products in the region is varied and a substantial portion of the output is meant for self-consumption, while some products must be imported to meet domestic demand. Some regional livestock production chains export appreciable amounts, as in the cases of beef, milk and milk by-products, as well as fishery and aquaculture products, among others. Foreign trade could expand significantly, which could increase the risk of introducing diseases – of the kinds that limit the productivity and lifespan of animals, and also pose a human health risk. The support of laboratories with accredited tests is required for diagnosing these diseases in order to ensure that such diagnoses are accurate and reliable.

Intraregional trade in animals and animal products has often been affected by the imposition of sanitary measures with no scientific basis. Markets have even been closed for various reasons, including the application of "retaliatory" measures such as the banning of milk imports from a country because it has prohibited exports of eggs. There is also a lack of trust among partners regarding sanitary conditions in a country or territory and the manner in which they may be verified.

One of the aims of OIRSA is to support its member countries in ensuring the effective implementation of their disease prevention, control and eradication programmes. For several decades now, OIRSA member countries have prioritized the strengthening of their analytical laboratories, and significant OIRSA-supported projects have been managed and implemented to that end. However, although the region's laboratories have been strengthened thanks to improved infrastructure, equipment and technical staff training, no quality management systems have been developed and established on a permanent basis to guarantee the credibility of the tests conducted by these laboratories, basically owing to budgetary constraints. The need for accurate and safe diagnostics is now a priority for the countries, and this has been expressed through the resolutions issued by their Ministers of Agriculture and Livestock, who together make up the highest authority of OIRSA.

Regional trade, and more specifically international trade in animals, animal products and by products, is generating an ever greater need for quality management systems in processes and laboratory assays that meet tried and tested technical standards and can be accredited. Working with accredited laboratory diagnostic tests will enable beneficiary countries to streamline the trade in animals and animal products, in compliance with the sanitary requirements established in the OIE terrestrial and aquatic animal health codes, as well as those set by destination markets, based on reliable laboratory results and the established levels of protection. The accreditation of laboratory tests under the ISO/IEC 17025 technical standard will ensure their technical competence and the validity of the results issued.