| Pathogen |
Pathogen |
A microorganism or parasite that causes disease, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. |
| Virus |
Virus |
A type of non-cellular microorganism that has to replicate inside a host cell; the cause of several racing pigeon diseases. |
| Bacteria |
Bacteria |
Single-celled prokaryotic microorganisms; some bacteria can cause disease, such as Salmonella spp. |
| Fungus |
Fungus |
A eukaryotic microorganism; some fungi can cause disease, such as Candida albicans. |
| Parasite |
Parasite |
An organism that lives inside or on the surface of a host and depends on it for nutrients, such as trichomonads. |
| PCR |
Polymerase Chain Reaction |
Polymerase chain reaction: a technique for amplifying a specific DNA fragment in vitro. |
| qPCR |
Real-time Quantitative PCR |
Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR: quantifying and analysing a target nucleic acid in real time through a fluorescent signal. |
| RT-PCR |
Reverse Transcription PCR |
Reverse transcription PCR: RNA is first reverse transcribed into cDNA and then amplified; used to detect RNA viruses. |
| Biosecurity |
Biosecurity |
A systematic approach that reduces the risk of pathogen spread through isolation, disinfection, control and monitoring. |
| Differential diagnosis |
Differential Diagnosis |
The process of distinguishing the true cause from several possible causes with similar signs, by testing and judgement. |
| Latent infection |
Latent Infection |
Infection in which the pathogen does not cause disease immediately but lies dormant in the body, reactivating under conditions such as stress. |
| Immunosuppression |
Immunosuppression |
A state in which immune system function is suppressed, leaving the body more susceptible to pathogens. |
| Aerosol |
Aerosol |
Fine particles or droplets suspended in the air, which can act as a vehicle for pathogen transmission. |
| Fecal-oral route |
Fecal-Oral Route |
A transmission route in which the pathogen is shed in faeces and reaches another host through contaminated food, water or contact. |
| Internal control |
Internal Control |
A control marker in a test system, used to monitor whether nucleic acid extraction and amplification are working normally. |
| UNG |
Uracil-N-Glycosylase |
An enzyme used to degrade previous amplification products containing dUTP, preventing false positives caused by PCR contamination. |
| Sensitivity |
Sensitivity |
The ability of a test method to detect a target substance at low concentration. |
| Specificity |
Specificity |
The ability of a test method to identify the target accurately and avoid cross-reaction with other substances. |
| Swab |
Swab |
A sterile sampling tool used to collect samples (cloaca, throat, and so on). |
| Quarantine |
Quarantine |
A measure in which newly introduced or suspected-infected individuals are isolated and observed separately to prevent pathogen spread. |
| Inactivated vaccine |
Inactivated Vaccine |
A vaccine made by inactivating the pathogen; it stimulates immunity but does not cause disease. |
| Maternal antibody |
Maternal Antibody |
Antibody that a young bird receives from its mother, providing early passive immune protection. |
| Vaccination schedule |
Vaccination Schedule |
A vaccination plan drawn up according to age, season and epidemiology. |
| Secondary infection |
Secondary Infection |
Infection caused by opportunistic pathogens once the body's immunity has fallen. |
| Aerosol |
Aerosol |
Fine droplets or particles suspended in the air; one of the routes by which pathogens spread. |
| Biosecurity |
Biosecurity |
Systematic management measures that reduce the risk of pathogens being introduced and spreading. |