Introduction to Veterinary and Comparative Forensic Medicine is a comprehensive, highly practical and well organised text. The book features 13 chapters and covers a range of topics including veterinary medicine, animal welfare, wildlife crime and conservation.

The introduction outlines the major aspects of the new discipline of ‘comparative forensic medicine’ and includes case studies. It provides an overview of the links between veterinary, medical and forensic science specialisations not previously described using a structured approach. The introduction discusses the many emerging disciplines in the veterinary and medical fields, many of which are biology based, that constitute contemporary forensic science.

Of particular importance to the forensic community, the chapter on conservation and wildlife crime highlights the increasing need for a more coordinated effort from scientific, law enforcement and legislative bodies in dealing with this issue. The extensive methodology section also provides excellent guidelines and templates for evidence collection, storage, chain of custody, providing expert testimony in court and quality assurance and management of forensic evidence in criminal investigations.

The methodology section also covers clinical, laboratory and field work, pathology and post-mortem examinations. The relevant and necessary information has been collated and provided in a summarised format making this section highly practical for practitioners in all related fields. However, it should be noted that the guidelines and suggestions provided are not standard operating procedures and should be developed and adapted, as appropriate, to adhere to quality management and laboratory accreditation requirements prior to use in forensic and clinical investigations.

This book greatly benefits from the vast and diverse experience of the authors. With over 150 illustrations and an extensive bibliography, this is a valuable resource for the veterinary, medical and wider forensic communities.