Observations on the Specific Cause and the Nature of "Quail Disease" or Ulcerative Enteritis in Quail.

Abstract

Ulcerative enteritis of quail (so-called quail disease) constitutes the most important disease problem in propagation of quail in captivity. Many game breeders have had their entire stock decimated or practically wiped out by an epizootic of this disease. Once introduced on a game bird farm, the infection is extremely difficult to eradicate. Heavy losses from this disease have occurred in wild trapped quail held in concentration stations for restocking purposes. This indicates that the disease may profoundly affect the population density of wild quail in their natural habitat.The purpose of this communication is (a) to record the previously unrecognized† specific cause of quail disease, (b) to describe the technical method by which others can readily confirm this, (c) to direct attention to the chronic carrier as a factor in maintaining and spreading the infection and (d) to record observations indicating transmission of the infection to young quail chicks through eggs laid by carriers.The disease is char...