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There are a multitude of diseases that can affect and infect Bobwhite Quail not only on a farm but in the wild.
Dr. Thomas Eleazer has studied quail in the wild and found that wild quail carry diseases that are only thought to be on farms. It has been difficult to prove wild quail have died from the diseases because they are consumed by predators prior to being found; but low densities have been found in wild quail.
Ulcerative Enteritis (clostridium colinum) also known as the Quail Disease, is a bacteria. It is soil born and is found everywhere except maybe the salt flats. It can take hold when quail are under stress for many reasons, whether it is lack of feed, water or another disease. The disease is most often thought to affect quail that have coccidiosis as a secondary infection. It has been found in low densities in wild quail.
We have found that acidifying flight pen grounds, using litter amendments, controlling stress and the use of Primalac in our feed have prevented this disease on our facility.
Coccidiosis is a protozoa (single celled animal). This is the scourge of the whole poultry and game bird industry. It is a highly resilient animal and only time will kill it. There are four strains that affect Bobwhite Quail. Most coccidiosis is species specific. If a quail gets coccidiosis and is treated, they will be immune from that strain they were affected with. Coccidiosis has been found in low densities in wild quail. Again, we treat as needed so the protozoa will not build a resistance. The use of a litter amendment to keep letter dry, the use of Primalac to prevent secondary bacteria infection, and sanitation have kept coccodiosis under control.
Quail Pox, a viral disease, is found in wild quail. Most cases are in areas where migratory birds frequently are found. Bio-security is the best prevention in flight pens.
Avian Influenza, a viral disease, starts as a mild strain and becomes stronger as it is passed from bird to bird (mutation). Natural reservoirs exist in water fowl and some shore birds and the commercial poultry industry. All game birds are susceptible but no known reservoirs are known to exist in wild or captive quail. The best way to prevent it is bio-security. We suggest that you not obtain birds from live bird markets, auctions, from non NPIP flocks and from hatcherys and producers who do not supply VS forms 9-2, VS form 9-3 or health certificates. It is being found that these suppliers may be the cause of the Virus spread.Our State Animal health D.M.V. who tests our flock said somthing I will agree with. If the high pathogenic avian influenza ( H5 and H7) get to the United States it will be smuggled in. That is how Exotic Newcastle Diease got in to our country.Do you recall the party who got busted for importing duck guts from a infected area in Aisa?
Cryptosporidiosis, a protozoa. Cryptosporidium is not common but specifically affects Bobwhite Quail. It has been found in low levels in wild Bobwhite Quail. It is similar to coccidiosis, but more potent and can kill 100% of a flock. Prevention is accomplished by use of soil acidification litter amendments and bio-security. Our thought is not to let quail from other sources in our facility unless it is from eggs of proven healthy birds.
Histomoniasis (black head disease), a protozoa, is transmitted from the cecal worm, a hitchhiker if you wish. Bobwhite Quail are somewhat resistant but there are some fairly virulent strains that have appeared in quail. Best prevented by raising birds on wire or an aggressive worming program.
A word of caution about worming programs. Worms are nematode parasites and can become resistant to wormers. It may be advisable to change wormers from time to time to break the cycle.
Capillaria worm or thread worm, a nematode, has been found in wild Bobwhite Quail in low densities. Best prevented by an aggressive worming program.Found in wild quail.
There is a multitude of other diseases that affect quail reared in captivity that can be prevented with proper management and bio-security. I will name them but not give full explanations.
Quail Bronchitis, viral, not treatable; primarily occurs in quail six to eight weeks old.
Fowl Cholera, bacterial disease, caused by a germ negative bacterium; treatable.
Sinusitis inflation and swelling of the sinuses; may be caused by virus, fungi or bacteria.
Sacculitis or chronic respiratory disease; if complicated by viruses or E-coli, often leads to severe air sacculitis.
Exotic Newcastle Disease, an RNA virus; highly contagious. This disease has struck in southwestern United States in 2001 and caused great economic loss.
Other internal parasites (Nematodes):
Roundworm (Ascaridia), Tape worm, Gape worm. These are controlled by an aggressive worming program.
External parasites:
Northern fowl mite, chicken mite, scaly leg mite, lice. Controlled with seven dust or an approved spray. Acidify soil use of litter amendment.
Aspergillosis (mold disease):
Referred to as brooder pneumonia. Respiratory in nature. It will affect birds without immunity. Some birds get it and die and the bird next to it is unaffected.
Did you know that some nematodes hitch-hike on earthworms? By eating earthworms, they are ingesting nematodes. Does this occur in the wild? Answer is Yes.
For more information, contact us at
(785) 210-1119
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Address
Changed to
2709 Meadowlark Drive
Milford, KS 66514
Phone
(785) 210-1119
Email kenneths@birdsofbrilliance.com
Map/Directions
Hours of Operation
Mon-Sun
Appointment Only
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