Avian Research Fund
Aspergillosis is a major cause of poor health and death in avian species ranging from pet parrots to penguins. It can often be a chronic infection with ill health not shown until it is too late to successfully treat. Diagnostic testing has proven difficult necessitating a multimodal approach involving bloodwork and often radiography and endoscopy in addition to assessment of clinical signs. Strengthening the specificity and sensitivity of bloodwork has been the main goal of our laboratory. We have made several strides with the development of novel assays and seek to continue our clinical research program in this area with special focus on new biomarker development.
The Division of Comparative Pathology launched the Avian & Wildlife Laboratory, an outreach veterinary reference laboratory service, in 1993. Recognized as the go-to lab for veterinarians in private practice and zoo/aquaria around the United States for routine and specialized bloodwork on a host of special species, the laboratory has gained international recognition for its expertise in biomarkers and testing options for inflammation and novel infectious disease testing. More than 180 presentations and 180 publications are a testimony to our devotion and impact to the field of avian, exotic, and wildlife medicine. See more at www.cpl.med.miami.edu