Cytology in Passeriformes: a useful diagnostic tool

Abstract

Disease outbreaks in Passeriformes housed in group are often of infectious origin. Clinical signs observed are often similar and non-specific. In these cases, cytology is an invaluable tool for developing a presumptive or definitive diagnosis that can guide disease management decisions within a flock. In the first part of this review, the basic principles of cytological sampling techniques and the evaluation of the cytological findings are described. In the second part, an overview of important infectious diseases in Passeriformes is given, in which cytology may lead to a definitive or presumptive diagnosis.