Birds


Biobest Diagnostics provides specialist Avian DNA sex testing and disease diagnosis services. In addition we offer a DNA profiling service for Raptors. Our services are available throughout the world to vets or direct to bird owners and breeders. Using Biobest guarantees you:

  • Speed - quickest possible results, as we are the only commercial laboratory actually conducting the tests in the UK. We do not refer samples overseas. Eggspress is the UK's only next day sexing service.

  • Quality - we use the best DNA techniques. We are an established veterinary laboratory with the expertise to advise you on your test results.

  • Ease of use - we provide friendly advice, free sampling kits and the most flexible sampling options (see table below)

A combined raptor DNA profiling and sexing service (from the same sample) is currently available for the special price of £60 (+VAT).

Click here to see a video of the correct procedure for taking a cheek swab for DNA sexing.

Further information:



Test Egg Membranes Mouth Swabs Feather Heparinised Blood Faeces Cloacal Swab Tissue at PM Price
Sexing √ √ √² √     √ £20 (17.02+VAT)
Eggspress √ √² √² √     √ £40 (34.02+VAT)
Chlamydia       √¹ √ √ √ £22 (18.75+VAT)
PBFD     √² √     √ £22 (18.75+VAT)
Polyomavirus     √² √ √ √ √ £22 (18.75+VAT)
Pigeon Circovirus       √³ √³ √³ √ £25 (£21.28+VAT)
Raptor DNA Profiling* √ √² √² √     √ £58.75 (£50+VAT)

¹ There is no published data confirming that blood gives comparable results to faeces or tissue for Chlamydia.
² On occasion it can be difficult to extract quality DNA from feathers and mouth swabs.
³ There is limited validation on these sample types.
* Raptor DNA profiling is currently only available for Golden Eagle, Gyr, Saker, Goshawk, Peregrine or crosses.


We provide individual certificates with the results of all our avian tests. Advice on the interpretation of our results is always available from our veterinary surgeons. If you supply a fax number we will fax your results to you, otherwise certificates are posted to the address you supply on your submission form.

All our DNA assays were developed in-house by our molecular biology experts. Test specific information for sexing, chlamydia, PBFD, pigeon polyoma & circovirus is available. To find out what your test results mean click here.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.