• Home
• About R.A.L.
• Real-time PCR vs. PCR
• Environmental Screening
• DNA Sex Determination
• Aspergillus Test
• Chlamydophila Test
• Psittacid Herpesvirus Test
• Helicobacter Test
• PBFD Test
• Polyomavirus Test
• Koi Herpes Virus Test
• Sample Requirements Chart
• Download Order Forms
• Links
• Feedback Form

Environmental Screening for Avian Diseases

PCR Testing

With the advent of PCR testing, it has never been easier to test for the presence of many dangerous diseases of birds. PCR testing looks for the DNA of specific organisms to determine their presence. As DNA is extremely stable, residual components can be detected long after the organism entered the environment (or even non-viable). These new tests can accurately detect pathogenic organisms for a year or longer.

Testing is available to virtually anyone wishing to find out what is in their environment. Single pet owners, hobbyists and breeders can all screen for a variety of potential deadly diseases with ease. Sample taking requires absolutely no handling of animals and is totaly pain free. Sampling techniques can be performed with a minimum of skills. Armed with some basic common sense, almost anyone can be easily taught to sample properly.

1. Simply open one swab at a time,
2. Rub the swab in the general area for testing (do not be afraid to get it full of dust).
3. Place swab back into protective holder and send to lab.

If more than one area is to be swabbed, open each swab as needed, take sample as above and replace back into holder before opening additional swabs.

The best places to swab are areas near birds which have not recently been cleaned: walls behind cages, corners of cages or trays, fans, HVAC vents and filters, etc.

Armed with the latest technology called Real-Time PCR, we can actually measure the amount of organism present. R.A.L., Inc., pioneered the use of Real-Time PCR beginning in 2002. Virtually no one has our experience in running and interpreting Real-Time PCR results. We have accurately analysed well over 50,000 samples for a variety of organisms with Real-Time PCR.

Understanding Your Results

Real-Time PCR results are reported back as Positive, Low Level Positive or Negative, as opposed to just positive or negative with regular PCR testing. Real-Time allows us to determine if in fact a negative result is truly negative, as opposed to a failed test by regular methods which can result in a positive being falsely reported as negative. One of Real-Time PCR's most exciting benefits is the the ability to determine how much organism is present. It can help monitor clean-up efforts as well as point to the original source of contamination.

Cost Savings

By taking occasional environmental samples, one test can monitor a large area and number of birds at one time. As many organisms are intermittently shed, one single swab should not be considered an absolute result. Many people screen the aviaries every six months to insure no surprises are awaiting them. As long as no new birds are added, screening for 1½ to 2 years should indicate a "clean facility" for diseases tested against.