Bird Ecology and Conservation A Handbook of Techniques

Laboratory investigations| 195

to be stored in the hopes that they can be analyzed at a later date (see ear-

lier). Those who work with birds should ensure that they have the correct

containers and chemicals available and know how to store and use them

properly. Some of this is relevant to human health and safety, as well as to

practical considerations: thus, for example, glutaraldehyde (see Table 8.5),

which can be hazardous, has to be stored at 4C and will soon deteriorate.

Alcohols and formaldehyde, which present different hazards, are more

stable.

Lists (not comprehensive) of investigations that may be carried out on live and
dead birds are given in Table 8.4.
Some of the main laboratory tests that can be used in avian work are listed in
Table 8.5. For detailed descriptions the various references should be consulted.
Many of the techniques that are listed need experience. Training in the prepara-
tion of, say, cytological preparations can be sought from an experienced veteri-
nary or medical pathologist.
A difficulty is often how to decide which specimens to keep and how they
should be preserved. The diagram that follows illustrates the range of possibili-
ties and the varied methods used. When samples are small or limited, a “triage”
system may need to be followed. Thus, if the history of dying waterfowl suggests
a poisoning such as botulism, it may be wise to use scarce intestinal samples for
toxin studies and to forego parasitological examination of them.

Table 8.4Testing procedures for use on live and dead birds

Live birds Dead birds

Clinical examination + 

Postmortem examination  +

Radiology + +

Hematology + +/

Clinical chemistry + +/

Microbiology + +

Toxicology +/ +

Histology +/ +

Electron microscopy +/ +

Chemical analysis  +

of carcasses

Note:/
of limited value only.