Avian Necropsy, Non-Commercial

Test Schedule
Lab Lab section Days Turnaround
WADDL - Pullman Necropsy Mon-Fri 2 Business days. See test description for more information.
WADDL - Puyallup Avian Health-Necropsy Mon-Fri 2 Business days. See test description for more information.
Price: $60.00
If between 1 and 3 tests are ordered, the unit price is $60.00.
Additional samples will have an extra charge of $10.00 each.
Description
Postmortem examination of the animal to detect disease at a macroscopic level. Histological (microscopic) evaluation is charged separately, and is generally necessary to identify the cause of disease/death. 

For birds, wet feathers with soapy water and refrigerate as soon as possible. For all carcass submissions, deliver to the lab within 3 days of the animal's death.

The necropsy price is for:

  • 1 to 3 birds submitted at the same time for necropsy (with pooling). There is an extra cost for each additional bird submitted 
  • The birds are sick or die approximately during the same time frame
  • Must be from the same flock/group
  • The same species (e.g. chickens, ducks, parrots)
For bird submission guidelines visit AHFSL Submit A Sample.

Turnaround Time Information:
For necropsies, a gross report will typically be made available within two business days after the necropsy is performed. Histopathology reports are typically published within two weeks following the gross report. In some cases, final results may include additional testing that can take between 3-5 weeks depending on the complexity of the case and the type of testing performed.
Specimens Required
Fresh, chilled (not frozen) cadaver (see below for more detail)
Sampling Requirements
It is preferred that cadavers are submitted chilled (not frozen) as quickly as possible following the animal’s death, as diagnostic integrity deteriorates with prolonged postmortem interval. If delays longer than 3-4 days are anticipated, the carcass can be frozen. However, it should be noted that freezing of carcasses delays testing and negatively impacts diagnostic integrity. Cadavers mailed in for necropsy should utilize overnight mailing services.

For additional information on how to collect and submit a sample please visit our Submit a Sample page.
Collection Container
1.       Primary leak-proof receptacle (such as a sealable Ziploc bag)
2.       Leak-proof secondary insulated packaging (such as a sturdy Styrofoam container)
3.       Sturdy external packaging (such as a cardboard box)
4.       Absorbent materials to be placed within the secondary packaging
Packing Instructions
For mail-in submissions, the cadaver must be placed inside a primary sealed, leak-proof receptacle, with enough properly sealed ice packs to keep the cadaver chilled. The cadaver and ice packs should be placed in a secondary insulated box (such as a Styrofoam box), set in a third external cardboard box. Absorbent material should be placed between the primary and secondary packaging to prevent external leakage. Mail carriers will not deliver leaking containers.

Specimens should be clearly labeled and must be accompanied by a completed submission form or online web portal requisition confirmation, which should be placed in a sealed bag inside the secondary packaging.

For additional information, please visit our Packing and Shipping page.
Special Instructions
Ordering Instructions
For online test ordering please visit our Submit a Sample page for additional information. To submit a specimen without submitting through our online portal please see our Forms page for fillable forms and further instruction.
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