I have collected eye (conjunctiva), mouth (tracheal/choacal slit) swabs and cloacal washes with PBS solution from birds. Swabs were moist and will be 'rinsed' in PBS also before using the solution for extractions. I do not know the initial concentration of DNA, but I suspect low but still useful. My downstream application with the DNA is to test these for pathogens, including viruses like herpesvirus etc and bacteria. For this, after DNA extraction, I plan to conduct regular PCR, possibly RT-PCR, and sequencing of PCR products if there are positive samples.

I would like recommendations on the best/most ideal DNA extraction kit. I have only used Qiagen's DNeasy Blood and Tissue kit, which is a top candidate. I have also read about Qiagen's QIAamp DNA mini kit. Does anyone know if one of these is more suitable than the other for my specific samples/downstream applications with these pathogens in mind? I know both are pricey (almost the same price), but quality and reliability are important too. Advice on alternative DNA extraction kits that are *highly* reliable are welcome too. (We have no room for trying out different kits for reliability, since it takes 2+ months for shipping to our island and on a budget).

Thank you in advance for help and advice.