Herpesvirus in parrots
Pacheco's disease is caused by a specific herpesvirus that affects only psittacines.
This virus is highly contagious and can spread quickly. The pathogen is often introduced unknowingly through the purchase of infected parrots that carry the virus without showing clear symptoms. Under stressful conditions, dormant herpesvirus infections can become active again.
Sick birds show general symptoms such as apathy, loss of appetite and sometimes vomiting. This is often accompanied by diarrhoea with a striking yellow or green colour. Unfortunately, many infected parrots die within hours or days. Acute death without preceding symptoms is also common, especially in young parrots.
When these symptoms are observed, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian immediately. Prompt treatment and isolation of affected birds are essential to prevent further spread.
Suitable samples
4–5 freshly plucked breast feathers
Cloacal swab
Blood (capillary/blood paper)
For the most accurate results, we prefer to receive a combination of the three samples listed above.
Turnaround times
- If you send the sample by mail, we will confirm receipt via email.
- Processing time: 3-5 business days from receipt of your sample.
- You will receive an email when your results and certificate are available on your personal portal.
Prices
| Disease tests parrots | Excl. VAT (€) / price per item |
|---|---|
| Pigeon PCR Chlamydia | € 29,00 |
| Parrot PCR APV (polyomavirus) | € 17,36 |
| Parrot PCR PBFD (circovirus) | € 17,36 |
| Parrot PCR Pacheco (herpesvirus) | € 17,36 |
| Parrot PCR Chlamydia psittaci | € 17,36 |
| Parrot PCR PDD (bornavirus) | € 23,97 |
| Parrot PCR Aspergillosis | € 40,50 |
| Parrot ELISA PDD (bornavirus) | € 24,79 |
| Combined tests parrot | Excl. VAT (€) / price per item |
|---|---|
| Parrot PCR Duo 1 (PBFD + APV) | € 22,31 |
| Parrot PCR Duo 2 (PBFD + Chlamydia) | € 22,31 |
| Parrot PCR Duo 3 (APV + Chlamydia) | € 22,31 |
| Parrot PCR Basis (PBFD + APV + Chlamydia) | € 38,02 |
| Parrot PCR Standard B (PBFD + APV + Chlamydia + PDD) | € 61,98 |
| Parrot PCR Standard H (PBFD + APV + Chlamydia + Pacheco) | € 53,72 |
| Parrot PCR Standard Extra (PBFD + APV + Chlamydia + PDD + Pacheco) | € 77,69 |
| + Parrot PCR PDD (bornavirus) | € 23,97 |
| + Parrot ELISA PDD (bornavirus) | € 24,79 |
| + sex determination | € 7,44 |
Request a test
STEP 1: Complete the request form
Choose whichever way of filling it in suits you best.
- Excel: fill in digitally.
- PDF: print and fill in by hand.
Then add it to the form below, or send it along with your samples.
STEP 2: Send us your samples
There are several ways to do this
- At our front desk* (during opening hours)
- Through the letterbox* (outside opening hours)
- By post*
- Through your vet
STEP 3: Payment & results
You will receive your invoice as soon as we have received your complete request.
Payment can be made on site*, by bank transfer or through your vet. Once payment is received, we begin the analysis.
You will receive your certified results by email, within the agreed turnaround time, unless stated otherwise.
* Our address: NeorniLab, Beverlosesteenweg 129, 3583 Paal, Belgium