ALV can spread silently in flocks, and birds may pass it to offspring through eggs. There is no cure for ALV — prevention and selective breeding are your best defense. Birds that carry the ALV-J resistance allele are less likely to develop disease if exposed to subgroup J.
By identifying which birds carry this resistance, you can:
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Select stronger birds for breeding
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Avoid using vulnerable birds in high-risk flocks
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Reduce long-term losses caused by hidden ALV outbreaks
What This Test Does Not Detect
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This is not a test for current infection — it will not tell you whether the bird is actively infected with ALV.
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It does not detect past exposure or whether a bird is carrying or shedding the virus.
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It does not replace biosecurity testing — birds with the resistance trait can still become infected, though they are less likely to develop illness.
This test is strictly for identifying a genetic trait (chNHE1 W38) that affects how likely a bird is to get sick if exposed to ALV-J. We do not ensure this means your bird is completely resistant, only that they carry a resistance-associated gene.
Your Results Will Say:
Genetically Resistant (R/R):
Bird has two copies of the resistance allele. These birds are the least likely to develop disease from ALV-J.
Carrier of Resistance (R/N):
Bird has one copy of the resistance allele. These birds may have partial resistance — they may not get sick or may have milder symptoms if exposed to ALV-J.
Not Genetically Resistant (N/N):
Bird does not carry the resistance allele. These birds are most vulnerable to ALV-J and are more likely to develop illness if exposed.
We are able to accept samples from freshly plucked feathers ONLY. We do not send you sample collection supplies.
Please review our instructions for sending in Samples here: https://thesilkielab.com/instructions/
