Molecular Diagnostic Services (MDS) test for the following most common bird diseases:
Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease Virus (PBFDV)
PBFDV is a devastating and highly infectious viral disease caused by a circovirus. The most common symptom is progressive feather loss involving malformed feathers. As such feather changes may also be caused by other factors, testing of samples for the virus is critical to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, some birds show no symptoms (asymptomatic carriers), and only by testing can one establish that they are infected. PBFDV can cause significant losses in aviary settings and strict control measures, in addition to testing, is the best tool that can assist facilities to remain free of PBFDV infection.
Suitable sample types: Whole blood (EDTA or filter blot), cloacal swab, tissue (liver), feather.
Unsuitable sample types: Serum
Avian Polyoma Virus (APV)
APV was first recognized in the early 1980s and was called Budgerigar Fledgling Disease Virus. Subsequently, the virus was found to infect many different species of psittacine birds (parrots) and thus it is generally the convention to call it APV.
Disease and death are generally confined to nestlings between 10 and 25 days of age. At death, birds are found to be stunted, have abnormal feather development, skin discoloration, abdominal distension, ascites (fluid in the abdomen), enlargement of the liver with localized areas of hepatic necrosis (cell death), and/or scattered areas of haemorrhage. In some outbreaks, the virus attacks the cerebellum (a portion of the brain) and these birds will show head tremors. Not every bird infected with APV will die. Some survivors will never become outwardly ill and will show no signs of infection. Other nestlings will fail to develop their primary and secondary wing feathers and/or their tail feathers.
Suitable sample types: Whole blood or blood spotted on an MDS collection kit, tissue, aspirate, or swab.
Avian bornaviruses are RNA viruses that were first described in 2008 when
they were shown to be the causal agents of proventricular dilatation disease
(PDD) in psittacine birds (parrots). The clinical presentation of this disease
varies with the individual as well as in the severity of those symptoms. Often the
symptoms include a gastrointestinal component, but often birds suffering from
this disease will present with neurologic signs as well. Muscle wasting and a
generalized poor body condition are usually found as well.
Suitable sample types: If the bird is alive, blood feather is the preferred sample
type, otherwise EDTA whole blood/blood on an MDS collection kit. If the bird is
deceased, tissue/skin is the preferred sample type.
Pachecos Disease Virus (PDV)
PDV, also called avian herpes virus is transmitted through infected feces
and nasal discharge. PDV remains remarkably stable outside the host
body in dust or aerosol. This dust or aerosol contaminates the air that is
then inhaled by another possible host. Contaminated surfaces, food, and
drinking water may also contribute to the spread of the disease.
Symptoms include lethargy, diarrhea, ruffled feathers, sinusitis, anorexia,
conjunctivitis, and tremors in the neck, wings, and legs.
Birds can be asymptomatic carriers of PDV. Some believe that any bird
that has survived an outbreak of the disease should be considered a
possible carrier. PDV can be reactivated when the bird is under stress
such as during breeding, loss of mate, or environmental changes. Once it
is reactivated the virus is shed in large numbers in the feces of the
infected bird.
Suitable sample types: Whole blood, feces, or liver biopsy
Unsuitable sample types: Serum
Chlamydiaceae species
The Chlamydiaceae are a family of gram-negative, microorganisms, belonging to the phylum Chlamydiae, order Chlamydiales. These microorganisms cause disease in both humans and animals. Most infections occur through the inhalation of infectious aerosols. While the disease from psittacine birds is best known, the infection in poultry is of particular concern as transmission to humans is possible during the handling and slaughtering of the birds. Human infections vary from inapparent to severe systemic diseases with interstitial pneumonia and
encephalitis. Infected humans typically develop headaches, chills, malaise, and myalgia, with or without signs of respiratory involvement. Pulmonary involvement is common.
Suitable sample types: A cloacal or cloanal swab is required to identify those birds actively shedding the virus. An ocular swab is also acceptable. A whole blood sample either in an EDTA blood tube or on an MDS Collection Kit is suitable to detect systemic or latent infection. Tissue samples (liver and spleen) are also
suitable. For species, other than avian, acceptable sample types include swabs, tissue, fetal material, EDTA whole blood.
Unsuitable sample types: Serum
Pigeon Circovirus
Pigeon circovirus is a DNA virus that affects pigeons and is closely related to
PBFDV. It can compromise the birds’ immune system making them more
susceptible to other infections. Transmission of the virus can occur both
horizontally and vertically. Birds infected with circovirus suffer mainly from
secondary infections leading to weight loss, diarrhea, and loss of appetite,
often dying within 2-5 days and is associated with ‘Young Pigeon Disease
Syndrome (YPDS).
Suitable sample types: Whole blood, feces, or liver biopsy
Unsuitable sample types: Serum
Avian DNA Sexing (SANAS Accredited)
For successful breeding purposes or curiosity, the gender of a bird is
required. The Avian DNA sexing test offered by MDS targets the sex
chromosomes of a bird to determine whether the bird is male or
female. Our test is both sensitive and specific and can be performed
from the first day after hatching.
We have multiple Avian DNA sexing assays to assist us to accurately
sexing the thousands of avian species in the world today. It is therefore
essential to indicate the species of the bird being tested for DNA
sexing so that the correct assay is used for that species.
Suitable sample types: Whole blood or blood spotted on MDS
collection kits. Feather and eggshells can also be used, but are not
preferred sample types as feathers often do not have enough genetic
material, especially if they are not plucked and eggshell testing is only
reliable if a male is detected, female results could just indicate
maternal contamination.
Unsuitable sample types: Non-cellular sample type e.g. Serum.
Please refer to this blog post for more information about MDS:
You might also be interested in this blog post:
https://www.worldwidepets.online/blog/birds-as-pets/