Neurological Diseases in Bobwhite Quail

Bobwhite quail have grown in popularity with chefs and people who are looking for a pet. This interest has lead to a spike in commercial breeding, which in turn increases the incidence of disease amongst bobwhite quail. Avian diseases affect wild and commercially raised birds, but studying birds in captivity helps researchers learn about the diseases. The majority of diseases in bobwhite quail pertain to their digestive and respiratory systems. There are three neurological diseases that can, while uncommon, affect the mortality and health of bobwhite quail.

  1. Eastern Equine Encephalitis

    • Named for its high incidence in horses, eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is marked by a high fever in the affected animal, a symptom that is not easy to discern in small birds like bobwhite quail. The disease is transmitted through mosquitoes, but affected quail can quickly spread the disease through cannibalism, a common practice in young quail to peck the other birds. The mortality rate for affected birds is very high, but even if the birds were to survive, they would suffer permanent brain damage from the disease. The best way to prevent the quick spread of EEE and any other disease in commercially raised bobwhite quail is to check for diseased and sick birds every day, promptly removing those birds from the rest of the covey.

    Bird Flu

    • The H5N1 virus is a form of the influenza virus commonly known as "bird flu." The mortality rate for affected birds is more than 75 percent. Symptoms vary, and the birds can die without exhibiting any symptoms at all, but typically the disease presents with extreme lethargy and symptoms of neurological dysfunction along with decreased appetite and water consumption.

    Baylisascariasis

    • Baylisascariasis is an intestinal disease stemming from a parasite. Common in raccoons and dogs, baylisascariasis is also prevalent in many avian species including the bobwhite quail. The disease presents with severe neurological dysfunction including circling, weakness, head tremors, a twisted neck and uncoordinated movements.