Can you test birds for illnesses?

MochaDuck

Crowing
Jun 7, 2018
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I was wondering: Can you have blood or swab test done on your birds to see if they have illnesses? Does anyone know how much it would cost or how accurate it is?
TiA

Edited to add: I didn't think to mention that I'm looking for tests where your bird is still alive when you test them. But thank you to all those who have answered :)
 
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Your state veterinary lab website would be a good place to look, and you may be able to submit samples yourself.
If you do have access to an avian veterinarian, check there, or have your veterinarian look things up for you.
Some things can be tested for with blood or oral swabs, and aren't very expensive (here at Michigan State, anyway). Otherwise, it's about necropsies.
Mary
 
I was wondering: Can you have blood or swab test done on your birds to see if they have illnesses? Does anyone know how much it would cost or how accurate it is?
TiA

Edited to add: I didn't think to mention that I'm looking for tests where your bird is still alive when you test them. But thank you to all those who have answered :)
Swabs and blood can be taken from live birds...just depends on what you want to test for.
The blood Marek's test is not reliable. Many people get negative results from it yet continue to lose birds to Marek's. Marek's is best diagnosed with a necropsy.
 

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