Evidence Basis and Grading¶
This page explains the content basis and the evidence boundaries of the health library, so readers can place the pathogen pages and the prevention guides in context.
Three layers of content basis¶
1. General avian disease and veterinary consensus¶
The core content of the 12 pathogen pages and the 8 prevention guides (pathogen characteristics, transmission routes, common signs, control principles) comes from textbook-level consensus in general avian medicine and veterinary science. This knowledge has been validated by long-term clinical practice and counts as settled, so the pages do not cite a reference for every statement.
2. Pigeon-specific research evidence¶
Evidence from pigeon-specific molecular genetics and association studies is gathered in two places:
- Genetics library — evidence grades (A/B/C/D) and verifiable references (PMID/DOI) for 8 gene loci;
- Research center — every paper review page carries a PMID/DOI, so it can be traced and checked.
3. Testing methodology descriptions¶
The testing methods described on the pathogen pages (real-time fluorescent qPCR and others) match the description of the main site's virus testing services.
Evidence grading system (consistent with the genetics library)¶
- A: consistently supported by multiple independent studies;
- B: pigeon-specific studies in peer-reviewed journals with statistical significance;
- C: a single or preliminary pigeon study;
- D: biologically plausible, but with limited pigeon or racing pigeon evidence.
Boundaries of interpretation¶
- Signs cannot confirm a diagnosis on their own: several pathogens cause similar signs, and confirmation depends on laboratory testing;
- Negative ≠ healthy: a single negative result is affected by sampling timing, sample quality and pathogen load;
- This library is general reference material: it does not constitute veterinary diagnostic advice — consult a licensed veterinarian for disease management.