Avian Necropsy, Non-Commercial

Price: $60.00

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:

For bird submission guidelines visit AHFSL Submit A Sample.

Please note that necropsies are not currently performed at WADDL-Puyallup. Carcasses must be sent to WADDL-Pullman for necropsy evaluation.

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.

Fresh, chilled (not frozen) cadaver (see below for more detail)

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.

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

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.