MERCK MANUAL

Veterinary Manual
Veterinary / Poultry / Quail Bronchitis

Overview of Quail Bronchitis

By Willie M. Reed, DVM, PhD, DACVP, DACPV

Quail bronchitis is a naturally occurring, highly contagious, often fatal respiratory disease of
bobwhite quail, seen both in the wild and in captivity. The disease is of major economic
significance to gamebird breeders and has a worldwide distribution. It is a serious disease on
certain farms where quail are pen-raised, and particularly when quail of different ages are
maintained on the same premises.

The causative agent, quail bronchitis virus, is a Group I serotype 1 avian adenovirus that can
be readily isolated from the respiratory tract of acutely affected birds. The virus is also easily
isolated from fecal samples, intestine, liver, and occasionally the bursa of Fabricius. It is
highly contagious and spreads rapidly through multiple-age units. Other avian species,
particularly chickens, may be carriers.

Clinical signs include respiratory distress, coughing, sneezing, rales, and nasal or ocular
discharge. Loose, watery droppings are common in some acutely affected older birds.
Conjunctivitis, mild to severe tracheitis (the trachea may be completely filled with mucus),
airsacculitis, hepatitis, and gaseous distention of the intestines may be seen. Multiple pale,
pinpoint (3 mm) foci of necrosis in the liver and mottling and enlargement of the spleen are
common lesions in infected birds. Mortality may reach 100% in birds <2 wk old but is
usually <25% in birds >4 wk old.

The disease is often self-limiting. Experimental vaccines have proved ineffective in

preventing quail bronchitis. There is no specific treatment, but increasing the brooder
temperature by 3°–5°F (1.5°–3°C), preventing “piling up,” and avoiding contact between
older and younger birds and other avian species are of value, as are strict isolation and
sanitation. Immunity is long lasting, possibly for life, and recovered birds can be retained for
breeders. New birds should not be introduced to premises without a 30-day quarantine.

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