If several poultry houses were present on one site we would recommend ten samples from each house.

We also advise that blood samples are taken at the end of the production cycle in broiler flocks.  This allows full antibody formation. In commercial layers, continue sampling and storage of sere at arrival on the laying farm and at 30, 40 and 50 weeks can be very usefully if a late disease challenge occurs.

In the lobby area of our poultry department there are blood-sampling kits. If you are unable to travel to York, Sutton Bonington or Hereford, Val, Janice, Zoe or Charlotte will be more than willing to post the kits to you.

Technique

Assuming it is not desirable to euthanase the bird, the brachial (wing) vein is usually used. The vein runs on the underside of the wing between the shoulder and elbow. It may become more obvious if a few feathers are plucked from the site. It is advocated by some to collect a blood sample with a needle and syringe. However, bird veins are very delicate and will frequently collapse when the suction of a syringe is applied. This will often damage the red blood cells. An easier technique is to stab the vein with a sharp, clean size 11A scalpel blade. This will allow blood to drip out of the vein. The open tube should be pressed up close to the nick to collect the blood with the minimum of contamination. The tube edge should not be scraped excessively against the skin as this does deposit fat into the blood sample. This is not desirable. Lowering of the bird's wing will subsequently stop the bleeding from the sampling site. Once the tube is half full the cap should be replaced and the tube placed on its side for at least five minutes until a clot forms. This allows easy removal of the serum back at the laboratory. Ideally the samples should reach the practice within 24hours. If there is any delay the samples should be refrigerated but not frozen.

To blood test your birds you will need:

  • Blood tubes and lids
  • A fine scalpel or needle
  • Blood Testing sample submission form
  • Select at least 10 birds per house
  • Half fill the blood tube, replace the cap and lay it on its side for 5 minutes until a clot has formed
  • Complete the paperwork and please, do not put directly in the bag with samples
  • Return to the lab ASAP but avoid posting on Friday or Saturday.

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