Not everyone has direct local access to a veterinarian that is knowledgeable in exotic animals. Of course, a full veterinary exam is necessary if you have an unwell individual but sometimes you just need to know information about worm or other parasite burdens, whether it is necessary to treat the flock or if an individual reptile is safe to go into brumation. Under these circumstances a basic faecal screen may be of value.
Microscopic diagnostics of faecal samples have their limitations even when done fresh in the clinic. Faecal samples will not tell you if the bird is suffering a viral infection, has respiratory or feather disorders or if the bird is old, young, male or female. Information on bacterial infections is limited on fresh samples other than total quantities and special stains or cultures are required to make better use of this information. This is of limited use in a posted sample in many circumstances.
So what can be diagnosed from a faecal sample? What do we need to do when sending a sample ?
- Most parasitic diseases and fungal disease of the gastrointestinal tract are readily identified by faecal examination. Some bacteria can be identified e.g. Campylobacter, but interpretation of its relevance can be difficult. As many exotic animal diseases fall into the first two categories we are relatively comfortable in our reliance on this means of testing.
- It is important to know if you have medicated the birds first as this may alter what it seen.
- Provide a clear history of what the bird was doing and why you are sending the sample. Concise, clear and informative.
- The sample itself does not need to be large. It amazes me at times that I often receive what appears to be every dropping the animal has done in the last 12 months when one or two would suffice. About 2-3 matchstick heads worth of faeces (or 2-3 whole droppings for each small bird being tested) is more than enough. If an aviary/flock is being screened then 20 random droppings is usually the minimum.
- If collecting part of a dropping, try to leave behind the white part (the urates) as these are of little value diagnostically. Always collect the freshest dropping available.
- The sample should be kept moist. One drop of water per dropping is adequate. Bottled water, sterile water or saline (such as contact lens solution , iv fluids or eye wash) are best. Tap water will suffice but remember it contains chemicals to kill pathogens before we drink it so it may well kill the sample pathogens before the vet gets to see them. The sample should be placed in some impervious material so it arrives as fresh as you sent it and it does not leak out during transport. Cling wrap or aluminium foil are good, small clip lock bags are better (but push the air out first or they pop in the mail sorting machine. Double or triple bag them to be safe. Send them express post wherever possible.
- A sample is still good if correctly stored and prepared. Unfortunately, postal delays may limit some information that can be obtained from the sample as some resident organisms in the sample may start to proliferate during transport.
- Faecal testing is not a precise and exact art. It is a method of ruling out some diseases, ruling in other diseases but it does not always give a complete picture. It is literally a snapshot into what was happening in the gastrointestinal tract at that point in time that the faeces were passed. It often amazes me what people expect from a faecal sample. A negative result is just as important in many cases as a positive result so if your vet says there are no parasites, no yeast, no significant bacterial changes then be happy. You have potentially ruled them off the list. Now you can focus your attention and money elsewhere.
- Remember that diagnosing the disease is one thing but treating it is a whole different ball game. Many medications such as antiparasitic medications can be readily supplied on the basis of a faecal test result. Other medication may be limited in supply depending on the legislation in the state that the tests are being run. In some regions, antibiotics or antifungals may only be supplied to “bona fide” patients (i.e. you have physically examined the individual animal). This is designed to avoid medication overuse and reduce medication ending up in our food producing animals. Faecal testing may not qualify you as a “bona fide” client. In these circumstances, your avian vet may be able to liaise with a local veterinarian or a veterinarian within another state so that products may be supplied within the legal guidelines.
- After treatment, your vet will often recommend follow up faecal testing to confirm that the treatment has been successful.
What service is offered?
- Direct fresh faecal examination of faecal material from birds, reptiles and native mammals.
- Identification of potential pathogenic organisms.
- Report on what was seen, including representative images if warranted.
- Advice on potential treatment options
- Liaison with your local veterinarian if required.
What are my qualifications to offer this service?
- 30 years Avian/Exotic/wildlife vet
- Lecturer in Avian and Exotic Medicine James Cook University Veterinary School
- Author of "Under the Microscope" and "Microscope Diagnostics"
- Breeder of birds and reptiles for 40 years and wildlife rehabber for 30 years
Cost of Service?
- Single sample $30
- Pooled sample from multiple birds $40
- Subsequent/second individual from same owner $20
- Recheck from former test/follow up $15
How do we submit a sample?
- Postage is the responsibility of the sender. Express post is best.
- Place an appropriate sample into an appropriate packaging material as described and seal in 2-3 zip lock bags to prevent leakage
- Complete the SUBMISSION FORM below with your details
- Request the test profile needed HERE via the shopping cart and an invoice will be sent once the cart has been checked.
- Pay the invoice and post your sample. Notify me via geckodan@bigpond.com that a sample has been sent to I can monitor for its arrival in the post. Samples will be examined on the day of arrival and reports issued as soon as practical afterwards.
