Gamebird Necropsy Procedures

Necropsy of birds in a flock is a standard procedure for gauging overall flock health or accurately identifying the cause of a disease or underlying conditions that could affect production. Selection of birds for this purpose is very important and will affect the necropsy findings. Dead birds should be necropsied within 24 hours or less of death because of carcass decomposition at ambient temperature. This chapter introduces the novice to the steps for opening a carcass and locating the various body systems. Necropsy tools should be used only for necropsy and the hardware should be disinfected and authoclaved on a regular basis. The procedures approved for humane euthanasia of poultry include cervical dislocation, carbon dioxide asphyxiation, intravenous barbiturate injection, and intracranial captive bolt for very large birds.