Why cannot I send blood or a feather for the psittacosis test?

You cannot send feathers or blood because the Psittacosis causing pathogen is found in the defecation pathways of its host. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze swabs rubbed on the cloaca. Psittacosis is transmitted to other birds and humans when they come into contact with infected stools, or from breathing the dust released from them when they are dry.