Species Guides¶

SENO's species-specific testing guides provide tailored recommendations for different bird groups, considering species-specific variations in CHD intron size, sampling techniques, and disease susceptibility.

Background¶

Not all birds are the same — at least not from a molecular testing perspective. The CHD gene intron varies in size across species, affecting primer set selection and fragment analysis method. Sample types yield different DNA amounts depending on bird size. Disease susceptibility varies dramatically between taxonomic groups — PBFD is a concern in parrots but essentially absent in pigeons, while pigeons carry PiCV and PPMV-1 that are rare in parrots. These differences make species-specific guidance essential for optimal testing outcomes.

SENO's species guides consolidate decades of laboratory experience into practical recommendations organized by taxonomic group.

Groups¶

Species Compatibility¶

For a complete list of validated species and primer set compatibility, see the Species Compatibility Matrix.

Primer Selection by Group¶

General Guidelines by Group¶

Sample Type Recommendations by Group¶

Disease Susceptibility by Group¶

❤️ High = Common / clinically significant. ○ Moderate = Occurs but not the primary concern. ❌ None = Not a known natural host.

Applications of Species-Specific Testing¶

Aviculture & Breeding¶

Species-specific guides help aviculturists optimize their testing strategy based on the bird type they work with:

Conservation Breeding Programs¶

Captive breeding programs for endangered species rely on accurate sex identification for:

• Sex-ratio management: Ensuring equal representation of males and females in breeding colonies
• Pair formation: Confirming male-female pairs for genetic management
• Juvenile sexing: Identifying sex of hatchlings before banding and release
• Genetic diversity management: Avoiding over-representation of one genetic lineage

SENO supports conservation programs with discounted testing rates for registered conservation breeding facilities. Contact SENO for program details.

International Trade & Import/Export¶

Many countries require health certification and/or species-specific testing for imported birds:

SENO's ISO-certified testing supports documentation for international movement.

Sample Decision Flow¶

Use this decision flow to determine the correct testing protocol:

What is the bird species?
├─ Psittacine (Parrot, Macaw, Cockatoo, etc.)
│  ├─ Large (>300 g)?  → 3–5 feathers, P2/P8, gel or CE
│  └─ Small (<100 g)?  → 5–7 feathers, P2/P8+2550F/2718R, CE preferred
│  └─ Disease: PBFD + APV recommended
│
├─ Columbiform (Pigeon, Dove)
│  ├─ Racing pigeon?    → 3–5 feathers, P2/P8, gel OK
│  │                    → Add performance genes + disease panel
│  └─ Pet/Fancy?        → 3–5 feathers, P2/P8, gel OK
│  └─ Disease: 11-pathogen panel recommended
│
├─ Passerine (Canary, Finch, Songbird)
│  ├─ Canary?           → 5–7 feathers, P2/P8, gel or CE
│  ├─ Finch?            → 5–7 feathers, P2/P8, CE preferred
│  └─ Disease: APV screening if colony has unexplained deaths
│
└─ Other (Poultry, Waterfowl, etc.)
   └─ Contact SENO; see Species Compatibility Matrix

Frequently Asked Questions¶

Q: Why do small parrots need more feathers than large parrots? A: The feather follicle size scales with the bird. A macaw feather follicle might yield 50–100 ng of genomic DNA, while a budgerigar follicle might yield only 5–15 ng. Since PCR requires a minimum template of ~20 ng per reaction, more small feathers are needed to compensate.

Q: Can I apply parrot recommendations to my lovebird? A: Lovebirds are technically psittacines (parrots), so the small parrot recommendations apply: use 5–7 feathers and consider capillary electrophoresis for fragment analysis as CHD-W and CHD-Z are close in size.

Q: My species is not listed in any of the three guides. Where should I look? A: Check the Species Compatibility Matrix for a complete list. If your species is not listed there, contact SENO for feasibility assessment.

Last updated: August 2026