Laboratory animals, including birds, play an important role in biomedical research. The humane care and management of these animals is an ongoing concern. A new addition to the acclaimed Laboratory Animal Pocket Reference series, The Laboratory Bird is the first publication dedicated to the care and use of avian species in the research setting.
Covering avian species such as chickens, ducks, doves, parrots, and songbirds that are commonly used as research models, the book is divided into focused chapters that cover a broad range of topics, including:
- General avian biology and physiology
- Husbandry
- Regulations and regulatory compliance regarding the use of birds in research
- Experimental methods
- Veterinary care
Along with discussing applicable regulations, the book also details issues of health management and quarantine approaches. The final chapter provides resources such as organizations, publications, vendors, and diagnostic laboratories.
With its focus on the care of a diverse group of avian species in biomedical research settings, The Laboratory Bird is a valuable reference for animal care and veterinary technicians, laboratory animal veterinarians, trainees in laboratory animal medicine, and research staff members, as well as individuals involved in laboratory work who lack experience in working with birds.
Important Biological Features
Orders Commonly Used in Research
Anatomy and Function
Respiratory System
Gastrointestinal System
Urogenital System
Cutaneous/Integumentary System
Musculoskeletal System
Cardiovascular System
Hematology and Immune System
Endocrine System
Nervous and Sensory Systems
References
Husbandry
Introduction
Housing
Environmental Enrichment
References
Management
Regulatory Agencies and Compliance
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
Sources of Birds and Procurement
Quarantine and Conditioning
Occupational Health and Safety Considerations
References
Veterinary Care
General Physical Examination
General Diagnostic Tests
Common Clinical Problems and Their Management
Anesthesia and Analgesia Agents
Euthanasia
References
Experimental Methodology
Capture and Restraint
Capture Techniques
Manual Restraint
Chemical Restraint
Various Sampling Techniques
Blood Collection
Blood Collection Sites
Compound Administration
Grooming and General Maintenance
Necropsy
References
Resources
Organizations
Diagnostic Laboratories
Publications
Vendors
Biography
Douglas K. Taylor has worked with a variety of avian species in varied settings since 1995. From 1995-2000, he worked in private practice, routinely managing avian medicine and surgery cases. From 2000-2002, he worked in the field of wildlife toxicology and used chickens to study polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and mercury toxicity. From 2002-2006, he was in training as a resident at the University of Michigan where pigeons, passerines, and chickens were in use. He is currently a faculty veterinarian at Emory University, where a substantial number of passerine species and, occasionally, chickens are housed. He became a diplomate in the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine in 2006.Vanessa K. Lee has worked with avian species in both a research and clinical environment since 1999. From 1999-2000, she worked as a veterinary technical assistant at the University of Georgia Small Animal Veterinary Teaching Hospital. From 2000-2001, she was an aviary farm manager for over 400 psittacine birds. From 2001-2004, she was a student research assistant working with pigeons and psittacines, and she worked as a wildlife treatment crew volunteer and supervisor. From 2005-2007, she was an associate veterinarian in private practice with a heavy avian caseload. She has held a faculty position at Emory University, during most of which she had clinical responsibilities for multiple passerine species. She became a diplomate in the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine in 2010.Karen R. Strait has worked with avian species in a variety of settings since 2003. From 2003-2005, she was a wildlife treatment crew volunteer and also completed a six-week training at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, participating in field studies and diagnostic necropsies of various avian species. She has held a faculty position at Emory University, during which she provided clinical support for multiple passerine species an
"The Laboratory Bird (CRC Press, 2016; $59.95, also available as an e-book) is a useful ‘pocket reference’ for laboratory animal veterinarians, veterinary technicians, husbandry staff, new researchers, trainers, and exotic animal practitioners. This book falls in line with other of the Laboratory Animal Pocket Reference series. It is a quick and easy read with varied, colorful, and descriptive figures throughout its 161 pages of text.
The spiral-bound book is composed of 6 chapters that encompass biological features, husbandry, management, veterinary care and experimental methodology. The index and references are thorough and comprehensive. As the authors state in the preface, the book serves as a basic reference to those that have little experience working with birds in a research setting. …
Overall the contents in the book are well-organized and cover the most pertinent and important points regarding common avian species used in research, husbandry, veterinary care, and experimental uses. It will serve well as an easy reference guide for veterinarians, students, facility managers and animal husbandry technicians."
Dr. Erin Mitchell, Assistant Director/ Clinical Veterinarian, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC in Laboratory Animal Practitioner
