The principal focus of this review is to highlight the new developments in virology related to techniques for the diagnosis and surveillance of rabies. Literature reviews were identified through Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus using various search phrases. This review also drew on information provided to international organisations, mainly WHO and OIE, funded by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in an advisory context on diagnostic and surveillance strategies for rabies. This review however, does not reflect the views of Defra, WHO or OIE. This review provides information on some of the latest developments and diagnostic techniques for determining the presence of rabies virus in diagnostic samples. Our aim is to provide a viewpoint on the current thinking in diagnostic virology for rabies, reflecting the 'neglected' nature of this tropical disease and the contrasting needs of diagnostic laboratories in developed and developing countries.