Birds are susceptible to a number of viral and bacterial diseases.  For effective management of these diseases in an aviary, it is beneficial to know whether new birds being introduced into the aviary are infected with viruses or are disease free.  In many cases birds can appear clinically asymptomatic, but they could be carriers of viruses that could then spread to virus free birds. 

MDS Australia conducts a wide variety of  Veterinary Molecular Tests™ with a present focus on Avian Molecular Tests.  These include:

• Avian DNA Sexing (AS)
  (Best Collection Type:  EDTA Whole Blood)

The DNA sexing test is based on the fact that, as with humans, there is a sex linked
chromosome in birds which can be analysed by genetic techniques to determine whether
the bird is male or female. We have greater than 99% accuracy with our DNA sexing tests which can be performed from the first day of hatching. For DNA selecting we target certain genes of the bird’s DNA that are used to distinguish between the sexes. We have over 10 different DNA sexing tests that cover nearly all known bird species. It is therefore important for us to know the species of the birds submitted for DNA sexing so that we use the correct test.

• Avian Polyoma Virus (APV)
  (Best Collection Type:  EDTA Whole Blood / Tissue or Aspirate)
  
  
• Chlamydophila Psittaci (CP)
  (Best Collection Type:  EDTA Whole Blood / Cloacal Swab / Tissue or Aspirate)
  
  
• Pachecos Disease Virus (PDV)
  (Best Collection Type:  EDTA Whole Blood / Tissue or Aspirate)
  
  
• Pigeon Circovirus (PCIRC)
  (Best Collection Type:  EDTA Whole Blood / Faeces or Faecal Swab)
  
  
• Psittacine Beak and Feather Virus (PBFDV)
  (Best Collection Type:  EDTA Whole Blood / Blood Feather)

Sampling Procedure

It is possible to send blood, tissue or a feather for testing.  However, our preferred sample is a drop of blood collected using our simple collection kits, as the samples are stable and the risk of contamination is reduced. 

The sampling procedure is simple, non-invasive and can be performed at the site where the animal is located.

Brochure

For more information, please download the brochure (PDF: 892 KB).

Order Polly-Test™ Collection Kits.

Our South African based, private laboratory also specialises in molecular or nucleic acid based testing in both the human and veterinary fields.  For more information on the other types of tests MDS has to offer, please visit MDS Africa.