Avian Cytology, Microbiology and Faecal Testing

Collection and submission of coelomic fluids and routine aspirates is as described for other species.

Crop Aspirate/Wash     

  • Indicated if there is vomiting, regurgitation not associated with courtship, delayed crop emptying or other suspected disorders of upper alimentary tract.
  • Make multiple air-dried direct smear slides at the time of sampling.
  • Submit any fluid collected in EDTA for cytology and a plain tube for culture.

 

Choana

  • Indicated in cases of choanal ulceration/erosio
  • Samples can be obtained by swabbing gently with pre-moistened swab (sterile saline) - avoid touching the feathers around the ven
  • Make multiple air-dried direct smears for cytology.

 

Sinus Aspirate in Psittacines

  • Indicated in cases of facial swelling, nasal discharge or other upper respiratory tract disease.
  • Make multiple air-dried direct smear slides at the time of sampling.
  • Submit any fluid collected in EDTA for cytology and a plain tube for culture.

 

Air Sac Samples

  • Sampling is indicated in suspected chlamydial, bacterial or fungal infections of air sac
  • Make multiple air-dried direct smear slides at the time of sampling.
  • Submit any fluid collected in EDTA for cytology and a plain tube for culture.

 

Faeces

  • Sampling is indicated if birds have gastrointestinal signs or are doing poorly.
  • Tests available include faecal floatation with worm egg and coccidial oocyst count, Giardia ELISA, PCR (Chlamydia, Polyoma Virus, Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease Virus), and faecal culture.