Contact
New Bolton Center Kennett Square, PA
Emergencies & Appointments:
610-444-5800
Directions
Ryan Hospital Philadelphia, PA
Emergencies:
215-746-8911
Appointments:
215-746-8387
Directions

Avian Pathology Laboratory-PADLS

Avian Pathology smallThe Avian Pathology service strives to provide the best possible diagnostic service to Pennsylvania and regional producers, hatcheries, service personnel, feed companies, and breeder companies. Over the past decade, the service has expanded to include pet bird cases submitted by regional veterinarian, pigeons, waterfowl and birds of prey cases submitted by local wildlife organizations, backyard poultry flocks, and exhibition/show birds. Services include avian necropsies, serologic testing, virus isolation, and PCR. The board certified veterinary staff is not only qualified to provide accurate diagnostics but also advise on the treatment, control, and eradication of infectious diseases. Avian field investigation also adds to the array of services available.

As part of PADLS, the Avian Pathology service supports PADLS’ program objectives and mission. The combined resources and technical expertise of leading scientists at PADLS laboratories provide state-of-the-art diagnostic technology supporting veterinarians’ efforts to advance animal and public health initiatives and support producers in assuring a safe, secure, and abundant food supply.

Contact Information

Business Hours:  8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.  For after hours diagnostic service, please call (610) 444-5800. The veterinarian on duty will be contacted.

Avian Pathology
Phone:  610-444-4282 or 610-925-6710
Fax:  610-925-6806

New Bolton Center
382 West Street Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348

The Avian Pathology service provides a variety of tests for accurate diagnosis of avian diseases. Services include:

Avian Necropsy

  • Commercial poultry
  • Non-commercial poultry
  • Backyard flocks
  • Wild birds
  • Pet birds (Parrots, Cockatiels, Macaws, etc.)
  • Exhibition birds

Avian Serology

  • Avian influenza
  • Infectious bronchitis (IBV)
  • Infectious laryngotracheitis (VLT)
  • Mycoplasma gallisepticum/Mycoplasma synoviae
  • Salmonella Pullorum
  • Newcastle disease (NDV)
  • Reovirus
  • Infectious bursal disease (IBD)
  • Avian encephalitis (AE)

Avian Virology

  • Avian influenza
  • Infectious Bronchitis
  • Infectious Bursal Disease
  • Infectious Laryngotracheitis
  • Paramyxovirus (Newcastle Disease)
  • Poxvirus
  • Reovirus Viral Arthritis

Molecular Diagnostics

  • Avian influenza
  • Avian paramyxovirus (Newcastle Disease)
  • Infectious Bronchitis (IBV)
  • Mycoplasma gallisepticum/Mycoplasma synoviae
  • Salmonella spp.
  • Salmonella serotyping (NEW TEST!)

Field investigations are also possible upon request. Please contact the laboratory for more information.

For a detailed list of available services, fees, or the submission form, please click on the appropriate link below. To submit samples for testing, please fill out the form below and refer to the submission information section for information on shipping and sample preparation.

Available Testing

Submission Forms

Sample Preparation and Shipping Guidelines

Directions

  • Get directions
  • Business hours:  8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. For after hours diagnostic service, please call (610) 444-5800. The veterinarian on duty will be contacted.

Research within the Avian Pathology Laboratory focuses on issues related to poultry health and infectious disease pathology and epidemiology. Current topics of interest include:

  • Avian influenza
  • Salmonella Enteritidis
  • Infectious Bronchitis
  • Vaccinal Infectious Laryngotracheitis

The laboratory also participates in joint research projects with the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and poultry feed companies. For more information regarding current research projects or to initiate a partnership for additional research, please contact the laboratory.

The expertise of the faculty and staff of the Avian Medicine and Pathology Service accommodates numerous opportunities for training in avian pathology and poultry for both veterinary students and pathology residents. Students and residents working in avian pathology gain hands-on experience by assisting in necropsies, and work one on one with a knowledgeable veterinarian to learn more about specific disease processes.


backyard chicken coopsAn example of educational outreach is soon-to-be graduate of the VMD/MPH program, Dr. Carleigh Melofchik's website for the care of backyard flocks. Visit Dr. Melofchik's site, Backyard Bird Basics. 

 

 


Veterinary staff also have educational seminars for backyard poultry owners and 4-H clubs.

The newly revived Poultry Residency Program enables veterinarians pursuing board certification in poultry medicine to fulfill their requirements and gain invaluable experience. For more information on board certification visit the American College of Poultry Veterinarians website. To learn more about the opportunities available for potential poultry residents and pre-veterinary and veterinary students, please contact the laboratory.

 
Staff
 Sherrill Davison
Donna Kelly