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Sampling instructions

Sample collector

The sampling can be done by the owner or by a veterinarian. If the sampling is done by a veterinarian, your certificate will bear a seal of approval to prevent fraud. 

Are you a veterinarian? Please contact us

 

Collecting samples

Proceed hygienically when collecting samples. You can request the sample material below from us via our contact form:

  • Zip bags for feathers
  • Blood capillaries
  • Swabs

To avoid contamination, all samples are preferably collected in our zip bags

 

Submitting samples

Send us your complete request via our desk *, by post * or via your vet. For more info, see Request your test.

* Address: NeorniLab, Beverlosesteenweg 129, 3583 Paal, Belgium

Request your sampling material via our contact form

 

Suitable samples

Gender determination / kinship analysis / species determination / performance genes / colour mutation

Feathers

  • One set of 4-5 freshly plucked breast feathers or 2-3 tail or wing feathers
  • Fallen moulting feathers, down feathers and blood feathers should be avoided. These sometimes contain insufficient DNA or can cause damage to the feather follicle when pulled out. 
  • Blood feathers are the new feathers that can be recognised by the blue sleeve at the base of the plume.
  • To avoid contamination, the shaft (the end of the feather that comes out of the bird's skin) must not be touched with the hands

Blood sample

  • Small amounts (capillary tube) are sufficient for accurate analysis

Eggshell with membrane

  • Particularly convenient for recently hatched nests
  • Not suitable for pigeons and parrots

Cheek swab of a nestling

  • A gentle way to collect DNA from young birds
  • Caution: avoid mixing with food or food waste

Disease testing

Pigeons

  • Rota / Circo / Adeno:
    • Cloacal swab (smear or swab of the cloaca) 
    • Blood (capillary)  
    • Organs (autopsy)
       
  • Herpes / Mycoplasma / Chlamydia :
    • Throat swab or swab of the upper respiratory tract ( smear of the throat, choanae, conjunctiva and possibly nostrils)  
    • Organs (autopsy)
       
  • Trichomonas / Yeasts and fungi:
    • Crop swab (preferably a fresh crop swab)

Parrots 

  • Polyoma (APV) / Circo (PBFD) / Herpes (Pacheco)
    • 4-5 freshly plucked breast feathers
    • Blood (capillary)
       
  • Chlamydia
    • Smear or swab of the cloaca
    • Blood (capillary) 
       
  • Borna (PDD)
    • 4-5 freshly plucked breast feathers
       
  • Aspergillosis
    • Smear or swab of the trachea
    • Caution: the sampling here is best done by a veterinarian to guarantee a correct sample and avoid problems such as biting off or swallowing the swab. Contact NeorniVet or your own veterinarian.

Birds

  • The sampling here will always be done by a veterinarian to ensure the correct samples can be sent in. The vet will then guide you further in terms of treatment, prevention and vaccination. Contact NeorniVet or your own veterinarian.

Faecal analysis

  • Mixed faeces sample from 3-5 days

Autopsie

  • Cadaver stored in the fridge (2-8°C) for up to 72 hours
  • Fresh egg