- Seek professional advice where the risk appears to be substantial—if for
example, chlamydiosis (chlamydophilosis) is suspected or if the picture sug-
gests a new or unusual infectious agent. - Always follow basic hygienic precautions, such as the wearing of gloves and
the use of disinfectants, and be prepared to invest in specialized equipment
and facilities (which can range from facemasks to safety cabinets) if this is
deemed necessary. - If, during the course of a postmortemexamination, an accident occurs (e.g.
splashing of possibly infected material on to the face), seek medical advice.
Likewise, if clinical signs that may be suggestive of a zoonotic infection
occur following a necropsy, report this and detail the work that you have
been doing. - Consider producing a card that can be shown to and read by a member of
the medical profession, explaining that the holder comes into contact with
sick or dead birds and, therefore, in the event of an unexplained fever, or
other clinical signs, might be infected with an avian pathogen. - Remember if working overseas or as part of an international team that there
may be barriers on account of language, especially amongst support staff.
Consider using diagrams and other visual aids in protocols and literature as
well as the written word.
8.4Postmortemexaminations (necropsies)
Many methods have been advocated for the postmortemexamination of birds.
Some have been devised by veterinarians, usually specifically for the diagnosis of
disease (Wobeser 1981; Hunter 1989; Cooper 2002), while others have originated
from ornithologists who have been either interested in mortality amongst wild
birds or have developed necropsy methods in order to obtain samples for research
(van Riper and van Riper 1980). A basic technique developed for those working
in the field, especially in areas where access to professional advice is limited, was
published by ICBP (now Bird Life International) 20 years ago (Cooper 1983).
The actual method of necropsying birds is not important so long as it is
efficient and reproducible. A postmortemexamination is not just a matter of
“opening up the body”; it is a structured process, which involves both external
and internal observation and, if the circumstances warrant, detailed investiga-
tion of some organs and tissues. Young birds and eggs/embryos require special
techniques (see later).
A comprehensive necropsy examination will encompass features of both a
“diagnostic” and a “health monitoring” investigation. As a result, it will encompass
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