The international cooperation between otherwise independent groups of scientists in several European countries stimulated the preparation of Guidelines on Techniques in Coccidiosis Research”. These guidelines have several purposes: On the one hand they should contribute to a better knowledge of research techniques used in various laboratories and they should support the necessary development of uniform or even standardised techniques which are the basis for research according to regulations of Good Laboratory Practice”. On the other hand the guidelines should facilitate the establishment and use of certain research techniques in the daily laboratory work. Not a complete review of the existing techniques was the aim, but a summary of practical experiences with a rather broad array of techniques. COST 89 offered the unique opportunity that 41 authors from 8 countries contributed their knowledge and practical experience for the guidelines. Still it was not possible to cover all aspects and fields.
The editors hope, that the guidelines will be accepted as a first step towards a better exchange of technical information within the international community of scientists, and that they may be beneficial and helpful to scientists working in the fascinating and important field of coccidiosis research.