Can I test a group of animals, for example a group of reptiles kept together or birds in an aviary?

Group or flock monitoring is good practice for animal and public health.

Where possible test each individual animal.

A group of Leopard tortoises or Leopard geckos housed together for a long time for example is the ideal "group testing". 

If parasites are detected that require treatment, we would not know the levels carried by each individual and therefore testing the individuals may be necessary if treatment is required.

If multiple species are housed together or the same species have been together for a short period then there is a higher risk of false negative results.