Diseases of cage birds, aviary birds and racing pigeons
Isolated mortalities or sporadic disease problems in cage and aviary birds and racing pigeons are NOT examined at Regional Veterinary Laboratories, unless a notifiable or exotic disease is suspected. However, ongoing problems involving a number of birds in larger aviaries or pigeon lofts may be investigated, depending on the circumstances.
Before submitting specimens, please phone the RVL to discuss the case. You should have conducted a thorough investigation of the problem and be able to provide a detailed history, clinical and necropsy findings.
Standard Containers and Equipment
Refer to relevant sections:
Collection of Specimens
- At least two affected live or freshly dead birds which are typical of the flock problem.
If chlamydiosis is suspected, do not send live birds.
- Tissues from necropsied birds, fixed in formalin. Small birds may, after necropsy, be submitted in toto in 10 times their volume of buffered formalin.
Storage and Despatch of Specimens
As for Poultry.