Infectious DNA Testing
Infectious DNA testing is an important
part in maintaining the health and well-being of aviaries.
These diseases can be easily spread from one bird to
another if not detected at early stage or if a newly
introduced bird has not been tested.
The advantages of DNA testing over other method of diagnostics
is in the ability of detecting the actual genetic material
from the pathogen. Other methods such as serological
testing relies on detection of antibodies and usually
require an immune response. In certain cases, a bird's
immune system may be able to overcome or supress an
infection. In this scenario, the bird is considered
a carrier of the infection and may actively shed the
organism into its environment if exposed to different
types of stress, and, therefore, spreading the infection
to other birds in the aviary. Because of its sensitivity,
DNA testing allows for detection of carriers and, thus,
isolating them from the rest of bird population.
HealthGene suggests submitting blood samples as well
as fecal samples for infectious DNA testing. This will
allow for detection of not only the presence of the
agent in blood but also to check if the bird is shedding
the organism and, thus, spreading the infection.
Please contact us for more information on submitting
samples for disease testing.
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