DNA Test for Avian Polyomavirus (APV)
Order Information
1. The sample collection kit (includes 1 sample bag, 1 absorbent card, 1 Avian DNA submission form and 1 envelope with return address) (per bird) will be mailed to your address within 48 hours after we received the your order.
2. Once you have received our sample collection kit, please follow the guidelines to collect DNA sample as soon as possible.
3. The DNA test certificate will be sent by mail and email in 5 working days after we received complete DNA samples and submission form.
Sample Collection Procedures
Feather samples:
1. Pluck 2-4 small chest feathers or those under its wing. Feathers should not be obtained by natural shedding to ensure accurate test result.
2. Place the feathers in the sample bag.
Blood samples:
1. Use a sterilized nail clipper to clip the toenail 2/3 of the distance from where the nail protrudes out of the toe. Allow small small of blood to flow freely from the nail. Then, place a the absorbent card underneath the toenail and allow the card to absorb 1 to 2 drops of blood. Air dry the blood on the card for a few minutes.
2. Place the card in the sample bag and make sure the bird has stop bleeding before putting it back to the cage.
3. Fill out the Avian DNA Submission Form.
4. Send the the submission form and sample back to Amvet Biosciences Laboratory using the included envelope.
Note:
Wash your hands first before collecting any sample to avoid unnecessary contamination which would affect the accuracy of the result.
More on Avian Polyomavirus (APV)
French Moult is caused by Avian Polyomavirus (APV). This disease was first discovered in budgerigar species, so it is also known as Budgerigar Fledgling Disease (BFD). Infected budgies cannot grow feathers on their abdomen and back. Later on the disease has been found in more and more species such as Macaw , Conure , Eclectus Parrot, Ring-necked Parakeet, Pionite, Lovebird, Lorikeet, Amazon Parrot,African Grey Parrot, Hawk-headed Parrot, Cockatoo, etc. This disease has developed into one of the biggest threat to cage birds at the moment,especially for 2-8 week old new born bird. They are highly susceptible to it due to their immature immune system. Thus, the mortality rate is also high.
Transmission
The disease can be transmitted from one another via blood, feather dust,respiratory secretions, fecal material, parental feeding of the chicks or contact infected environment. Birds that are infected but do not show any obvious symptoms are often responsible for spreading the virus to those in bird stores.
Symptoms
10-15 day old chicks can have sudden death in the absence of any sign.As for adult birds, since they possess stronger immune system, they may overcome the disease before symptoms appear. However, some may be attacked by secondary bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infection and lead to death.Typical symptoms includes, swollen abdomen, depression, loss of appetite,anorexia, weight loss, delayed crop emptying, regurgitation, diarrhea,dehydration, feather abnormalities, hemorrhages under the skin, dyspnea,polyuria, ataxia, tremors, paralysis, acute death, etc.
Diagnosis
There is no effective treatment so far to cure the disease. So, thebest way is to allow young birds to screen for APV as soon as possible. Ifthe bird is found to be positive unfortunately, the bird owner can make hisplan earlier.
The most effective screening method so far is the molecular PCRtechnology. Sometimes even the bird is confirmed to carry APV, it can stilldevelop normal feathers with no obvious symptoms because of the latent periodof the disease. As a result, some other detection methods may not be ablescreen out the disease, leading to diagnostic errors. However, this case willnot happen in PCR test. The virus can still be accurately detected even if wetake normal feathers of a suspected bird during latent period. Thistest is also suitable for birds of any age and breed. Just a fewfeathers (or very small amount of blood) are required.
The video below shows the process of removing feathers from the bird's chest.
