[Utilization of serum banks for veterinary seroepidemiological research serving the Dutch livestock industry].

Various new developments confront livestock production, in which certification, monitoring and surveillance of animal health are becoming major items. In that respect serum banks can be a helpful epidemiological tool to provide valid data for decisions on prevention and eradication of disease. History, aims and use of serum banks and storage and freezing conditions are discussed. A plea is made to create serum banks for different animal species in the Netherlands.