Submitting samples to the laboratory for analysis
As preventative medicine gets ever more important in the poultry industry we are more reliant on samples being submitted for analysis. The accuracy of the results produced is often closely linked to the quality of the samples taken. Thus we depend on our clients helping us so that we may give them scientific data upon which they can rely.
3.1. BLOOD SAMPLES
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3.1. Blood Samples
Routine serological monitoring is useful when approaching vaccination programmes. It is normal protocol to submit samples from at least ten birds for serology, but twenty samples per house gives a more representative profile. However, 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 sera at arrival on the laying farm and at 30, 40 and 50 weeks can be very useful 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, Karen, 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 fiveminutes 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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For healthy bird production a fresh water supply free from any bacterial burden is essential. Sampling may take place at various times. 1) When birds are in situ it is possible to test the water to evaluate exactly what challenge they are experiencing. 2) The heaviest bacterial burden in a water system will be experienced immediately after clear out and therefore sampling is useful at this point. 3) Cleaning and disinfection should effectively reduce this burden. The quality of these techniques can be reassessed by re-sampling at this juncture. |
Samples should be taken from the supply, header tank, water line and drinkers. These sites should be noted in detail for future repeat sampling.
To test the quality of your water you will need:
• Sterile universal containers
• Water Testing sample submission form
• Select sampling points from supply, tank and line etc.
• Only remove container top when ready to sample and avoid touching the sample point
• Fill container with water and replace lid firmly. Place all containers back in the plastic bag
• Complete all paperwork but do not put it directly into the bag with samples. Return to the lab ASAP but avoid posting on a Friday or Saturday. Refrigerate if any delay.
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3.3 Faeces Samples
In free-range layers it is advisable to submit faeces samples for analysis every twelve weeks starting from the arrival of the birds to the laying site. This allows an assessment of the worm and coccidia levels and the implementation of corrective action if necessary.
When a worm or coccidial problem is suspected, a representative sample of fresh faeces can give invaluable information. These samples must be collected from different areas of the house, mixed and then half of a universal container should be filled with faeces and sent to the veterinary laboratory for analysis. Although only 3 grams of faeces is needed for this test, we recommend half filling a tub (50 grams of faeces approximately) with a mix of at least 60 faecal pats. |
Plastic bags can be used if the sample is double bagged, labelled and packed in accordance with the post office regulations. Do not forget to include your personal details in the submission form.
For faecal worm egg and cocci counts you will need:
• A universal container
• Re-sealable bag
• Faecal sample submission form
• Half fill the container only (to allow 'breathing space') and place in the plastic bag
• Complete all parts of the submission form and pleasedo not put this directly in the bag with the sample
• Return to the lab ASAP but avoid posting samples on Friday or Saturday if possible
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3.4. Feed Samples
Feed samples are tested for bacterial contamination, they should not be taken from feed troughs or from under heaters. It is a sound practice to hold part of the final sample in storage for reference as needed. Incremental samples may be taken from bulk or bagged material by the use of a sampling spear (grain probe). In the UK the correct procedure is defined in The Feeding Stuffs (Sampling and Analysis) Regulations 1982 (Statutory Instrument 1982 No 1144 Agriculture). |
3.5. Swabbing
The bacterial burden the birds are exposed to in their environment may be assessed by swabbing. Occasionally only Salmonella analysis is required and this should be clearly stated on the submission form. When grouped samples are submitted, especially when they are moist iecloacal and/or faecal analysis, then bundles of swabs are acceptable. After sampling they should be placed in the sealable bag provided. Please ensure the swabs are placed head first into the bag and that the submission form is not placed in the same bag as this will lead to contamination.
General Bacteriological Hygiene Swabs
When a full bacteriological profile is required from a certain area then the blue topped swabs should be used. During the procedure the swab's seal should be broken and care taken to ensure that the cotton bud end only touches the sample area. Rotating the swab firmly over the surface to be tested ensures that a good sample is obtained. It is then returned to the protective sheath and should be labelled accurately.
3.6. Submission forms, packing and labelling.
All the samples submitted for analysis must be correctly identified and accompanied by a submission form. You can acquire a submission form from the Hereford or York Practice. If it is not possible for you, we can post, email or fax a template. You can also click the Download Forms button at the end of this section. If this is not practical, a blank piece of paper with you name, address and telephone number would be necessary. An e-mail address would also be helpful. Other useful information that would help in the diagnosis includes: the age of the birds submitted, the species and breed, vaccination history and the reason for submission.
Please Note: When biological samples are sent through the post they should comply with Post Office/Royal Mail regulations.
Download Forms
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Faeces
Submission Form |
Salmonella Sponges
Declaration Form |
PCR
Submission Form
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Salmonella Submission Form for Overshoes
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Post Mortem
Submission Form
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Hygiene Swabs
Submission Form
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Salmonella Submission form for Sponges
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Salmonella Submission Form for Dust & Litter
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