Raising Quail Articles

Salmonella Pullorum when Raising Quail

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 04:06:00 +0000

Pullorum Disease

Pullorum disease is an acute or chronic infectious, bacterial disease affecting primarily chickens and turkeys, but most domestic and wild fowl can be infected.

The cause is a bacterium named Salmonella pullorum. This organism is primarily egg transmitted, but transmission may occur by other means such as:

* Infected hen to egg, egg to chick, or chick to chick in incubator, chick box, brooder, or house. Survivors become infected breeders (cycle begins again),
* Mechanical transmission (carried around on clothes, shoes or equipment),
* Carrier birds (apparently healthy birds shed the disease organisms),
* Contaminated premises (from previous outbreaks).

Disease organisms may enter the bird through the respiratory (as in the incubator) or digestive systems. Most outbreaks of acute pullorum disease in chickens or turkeys result from infection while in the hatchery.

Pullorum disease is highly fatal to young chicks or poults, but mature birds are more resistant. Young birds may die soon after hatching without exhibiting any observable signs. Most acute outbreaks occur in birds that are under three weeks of age. Mortality in such outbreaks may approach ninety percent if untreated. Survivors are usually stunted and unthrifty. Infection in young birds may be indicated by droopiness, ruffled feathers, a chilled appearance with birds huddling near a source of heat, labored breathing, and presence of a white diarrhea with a "pasted-down" appearance around the vent. The white diarrhea symptom instigated the term "bacillary white diarrhea" that was commonly associated with this disease at one time. Gross lesions may be lacking in some adult birds.

Diagnosis in young birds is made by isolating the causative organism in the laboratory. In older birds, blood testing may indicate an infection but a positive diagnosis depends upon isolation and identification of the organism by laboratory procedures.

Complete eradication is the only sound way to prevent pullorum disease. All hatchery supply flocks should be tested and only pullorum-free flocks used as a source of hatching eggs. Purchase chicks or poults from hatcheries that are officially recognized as "Pullorum Clean" by National Poultry Improvement Plan representatives in your state.

Treatment primarily is a salvage operation and does not prevent birds from becoming carriers. Consequently, do not keep recovered flocks for egg production. Among the drugs used to treat pullorum disease are furazolidone, gentamycin sulfate, and sulfa drugs (sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethazine, and sulfamerazine).

All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.

We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Is Raising Quail As A Hobby Worth My Time?

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:16:00 +0000

I recently received an email asking me if raising quail as a hobby would be worth their time. I felt like this was a hard question to answer but an interesting one. So I am putting the answer here to give anyone a little insight on what is required.

I'm sorry but I really don't know how to answer your question. I have no idea what type of hobby you would consider to be worth your time.

That being said, I can only answer it this way.

If you are looking for a hobby that you will have to dedicate some time to, raising quail could be for you. If you are looking for a hobby that requires a certain amount of knowledge to have a chance of things going right, raising quail could be for you. If you can afford to get the equipment needed or you are handy enough and willing to build some of the items needed for this hobby, raising quail could be for you. If you would enjoy the highs of watching quail eggs progress from being just eggs to living small little creatures picking their way through the shell when the incubation period is over, raising quail could be for you.

There will also be times when even if you have done everything right, you may have a very bad or no hatch rate. This is something that will always be in the back of your mind. Would you be willing to go through this and put it behind you. If so raising quail could be for you.

If one or more of your quail get sick, would you be willing to contact an avian lab and follow the instructions they give you, to do what is required. Even though most quail disease can be prevented with proper management, there is still a chance it can happen. If it does and you don't handle it swiftly and properly you could lose your whole flock. If you are prepared and willing to do this, raising quail could be for you.

So basically what I am saying is that raising quail can be a very fun and rewarding hobby. It does involve time and knowledge. There will also be extreme highs but there is also a chance of complete devastation. You just need to take the time to learn as much as possible before you start. If you do this, you will get more enjoyment out of raising quail than disappointment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
Copyright © Gary Ortlieb
-----------------------------------------------------------------

What Can Cause Poor Hatch Rates When Raising Quail?

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:13:00 +0000

There can be a number of reasons for quail eggs not hatching. Breeding, feeding, and management of the egg production flock; care of the eggs before incubation; and the incubation environment: these all cause bad hatch rates

When raising quail, you absolutely need to know how to care for the quail eggs and your breeder stock. If you don't do it properly, here are some of the problems you may have:

1. Candling your quail eggs after about 7 days of incubating, the inside of the eggs are clear with no blood ring or embryo growth.

Possible causes for this problem:
a. Infertile eggs.
b. Breeding quail not compatible.
c. quail eggs not being stored properly, Quail egg storage area below 40 degrees.
d. Eggs held to long before incubating.
e. Eggs taken from storage and put in incubator before reaching room temperature.

2. Candled quail eggs are clear with some blood and small embryo.

Possible causes for this problem:
a. Incubation setting to high.
b. Storing eggs improperly, temperature below 40 degrees or above 60 degrees
c. Eggs taken from storage and put in incubator before reaching room temperature.

3. Dead embryo's before hatch is due.

Possible causes for this problem:
a. Quail eggs not being turned enough.
b. Lack of oxygen
c. Incubator to hot or to cold.
d. Breeder's not getting a good layer diet.

4. Chicks pip but do not hatch.

Possible causes for this problem:
a. Improper humidity, not raised by 20 percent 3 days before hatch.
b. Incubator temperature to low during incubation period.
c. Temperature may have spiked without your knowledge.

5. Eggs hatching early, with abnormalities.

Possible cause for this problem:
a. Temperature to high
.
6. Quail eggs not hatching on time.

Possible cause for this problem
a. Temperature not at proper hatching temperature.

7. Quail chicks hatch and show early problems.

Possible causes for this problem:
a. Breeders were inbred's.
b. Breeder stock were not managed properly.
c. Incubator set to hot.

When raising quaill and incubating your own eggs, every hatch is not going to be great. Sometimes you may run into problems. What I have listed above is just some of the problems you may have and some possible causes.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
Copyright © Gary Ortlieb
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Raising Quail and Candling Eggs.

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 23:55:00 +0000

When raising quail and incubating eggs, you may want to think about purchasing a candling device. This device is just a small little light which can be purchased on the internet for a small amount of money. This small little lighting device can be an important tool to your have for your quail raising venture.

When raising quail, it is very likely that you will be incubating eggs. You place your eggs in the incubator with very high expectations and then begin to count down the days until hatch.

By candling your eggs after about 5 days you should start to see some embryo development. If it is developing properly, you should start to notice a pinkish cast. If you don't notice any change inside the egg, especially by day 10 and the inside of the egg remains clear. It is time to pitch the clear eggs, they are not fertile.

When the egg starts to reach the end of incubation, the inside of the egg should look dark except for the little air pocket.

Candling eggs will have no effect on your incubation time and will not hurt your eggs. You just have to handle the eggs with care and dont candle them more than a couple times during incubation.

Also when candling, be precise and do this process in a way to be gentle yet quick as to not let the temperature of the egg cool to much.

When raising quail learning how to handle eggs gently is very important and learning the process of candling can save you disappointment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
Copyright © Gary Ortlieb
-----------------------------------------------------------------

A Fungal Disease that can Hurt Your Raising Quail Efforts.

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:09:00 +0000

Moniliasis (Crop Mycosis, Thrush)

This is a disease that primarily affects the upper digestive tract of all birds and is characterized by whitish thickened areas of the crop and proventriculus, erosions in the gizzard, and inflammation of the vent area. It is caused by a yeast-like fungus (Candida albicans).

Poultry of all ages are susceptible to the effects of this organism. Chickens, turkeys, pigeons, pheasants, quail and grouse are species most commonly affected as well as other domestic animals and humans. The Candida organism is widely spread throughout the poultry producing areas of the world.

Moniliasis is transmitted by ingestion of the causative organism in infected feed, water or environment. Unsanitary and unclean water troughs are an excellent reservoir of the Candida organism. The disease does not however, spread directly from bird to bird. The organism grows especially well on corn, so infection can be introduced by feeding moldy feed.

This malady produces no specific symptoms. Young birds become listless, pale, show ruffled feathers and appear unthrifty. Affected caged layer hens become obese and anemic. Some birds exhibit a vent inflammation that resembles a diarrhea induced condition having whitish incrustations of the feathers and skin around the area. Feed consumption may increase by ten to twenty percent.

Gross lesions are mostly confined to the crop, proventriculus and gizzard. The crop and proventriculus have whitish thickened areas that are often described as having a "turkish towel" appearance. Erosion of the lining of the proventriculus and gizzard is commonly observed, as well as an inflammation of the intestines. Diagnosis is based on history and typical lesions in the flock. Confirmation of the condition is by isolation and laboratory identification of the C. albicans organism.

Treatment of the flock with an antimycotic drug will control the infection. Many broad spectrum antibiotics will enhance this disease; therefore they should not be used until after control of this condition is completed. Addition of Nystatin (100 g/Ton) or copper sulfate (2-3 lb/Ton) to the feed for seven to ten days should control moniliasis.

Once introduced into the flock, moniliasis is perpetuated by suboptimal management conditions. Preventative measures include the continual use of mold inhibitors in the feed, proper feed handling and storage, daily cleaning and sanitizing of the watering system and periodic stirring and/or replacement of wet litter areas to prevent caking. An inexpensive, yet effective, water treatment is the continuous addition of household chlorine bleach to the drinking water at the rate of five parts per million (ppm).

All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.

We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------

Raising Quail and Fungal Disease.

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:42:00 +0000

Mycotoxicosis (Fungal Disease)

It is known that certain strains of fungi (molds) growing in feed or feed ingredients can produce toxins that, when eaten by man or animals, can cause a very lethal disease called mycotoxicosis. The toxins produced by these fungi are very toxic and rivals the botulism toxin for toxicity.

Mycotoxicosis is caused by ingestion of toxic substances produced by molds growing on feed, feed ingredients and possibly litter. Several types of fungi produce toxins that may cause problems in poultry, but of primary concern are substances produced by the Aspergillus flavus fungi and are thus called aflatoxins. Aspergillus flavus is a common mold that grows on many substances, and grows especially well on grain and nuts. Several other fungi also produce toxins that cause the disease.

The aflatoxins include four closely related metabolites of A. flavus known as B1, B2, G and G2. The B1 toxin is the most toxic and is of greatest concern to the poultry industry.

Mold toxins cause a wide variety of signs, many difficult to recognize. The aflatoxins under certain conditions cause death, reduced growth, reduced egg production, reduced hatchability, signs associated with "physiological stress" and impaired ability to develop immunity to infectious agents. Diagnosis is difficult because characteristic lesions usually are not present, and detection of the toxin is not conclusive.

Molds are widespread in nature. Standing grains and other feed substances are frequently infected with toxin-producing molds prior to harvest. The key is proper storage to control moisture and temperature to reduce growth of the molds while in storage. Although the mold is present, it cannot produce toxic products unless allowed to grow freely.

Aflatoxins in feeds can be detected by chemical tests. Once the toxin is produced there is no known method for removing it from the feed or canceling its harmful effects. Providing a diet containing high fat and high protein levels and augmenting the ration with vitamin supplements may be of value.

All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.

We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Fungal Disease and Raising Quail

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:45:00 +0000

Aspergillosis (Brooder Pneumonia)

Aspergillosis has been observed in almost all birds and animals, including man. The disease is observed in one of two forms; acute outbreaks with high morbidity and high mortality in young birds, and a chronic condition affecting adult birds. It is more of a problem in turkeys than in chickens.

The condition is caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, a mold or fungus-type organism. Occasionally other types of molds are involved. These organisms are present in the environment of all poultry. They grow readily on many substances such as litter, feed, rotten wood and other similar materials.

The bird comes in contact with the organisms through contaminated feed, litter or premises. The disease is not contagious and does not spread from one bird to another. Most healthy birds can withstand repeated exposure to these organisms. Inhalation of large amounts of the infectious form of the mold or reduced resistance of the bird apparently results in infection. In adult turkeys, the disease more often affects the male.

In the acute form in young birds, main symptoms are gasping, sleepiness, loss of appetite and sometimes convulsions and death. Occasionally the organism invades the brain, causing paralysis or other forms of nervous symptoms. The more chronic form in older birds usually results in loss of appetite, gasping or coughing and a rapid loss of body weight. Mortality is usually low and only a few birds are affected at one time.

The disease produces hard nodular areas in the lungs and an infection of the air sacs. Sometimes the air sac lesions are similar to those produced by infectious sinusitis or CRD. In some birds, colonies of mold growth can be seen on the air sac membranes.

Diagnosis is usually made from history, symptoms and lesions. It may be necessary to base diagnosis on microscopic lesions. The disease can usually be prevented by avoiding moldy litter, feed or premises. There is no treatment for the affected flock. Cleaning and disinfecting the equipment is often helpful.

All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.

We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Raising Quail and Poultry Health Basics

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 01:18:00 +0000

Poultry health basics can also be used when raising quail.

Disease prevention focuses primarily on dedicated planning and sound management practices that keep infectious diseases out in the first place and stop noninfectious diseases before they start. With this approach, you place a higher priority on planning and expenditures for disease prevention than on short-term savings and stop-gap treatments. It is essentially a mental attitude that recognizes the ever present risk of disease and the fact that disease prevention does not cost; it pays, and many times over.

Failure to concentrate on planned disease prevention often leads to personal disappointment and sometimes disastrous financial loss. A flock receiving good health security management is a delight, and a source of both pride and profit.

A good disease control program emphasizes three primary goals or areas:

· Reduce exposure to disease organisms by proper sanitation and stress management.
· Increase bird resistance to disease by using recommended immunization procedures.
· Treat disease outbreaks with specific medications that are effective against the disease being treated.

Diseases have consistently been a major limiting factor to profitable production. Some diseases result from egg transmission or organisms through the use of infected breeder flocks. Other diseases are brought into the poultry house by vectors like wild birds, rodents, parasites, and even the poultry man.

Disease results when exposure combined with the virulence of an organism is greater than the resistance of the host. Disinfectants reduce the exposure time and number of organisms. Vaccines help build the natural resistance or immunity of the birds. Medications and drugs help battle the disease organisms after they have overwhelmed the birds' natural defenses.

Most diseases can be eradicated from the poultry flock by applying the basic principles of hygiene and excellent sanitation. Other diseases are not easily eliminated, but can be controlled by proper use of disinfectants and sanitizers. If not controlled, the potential for microbial contamination and spread of infectious diseases in the flock is always a threat to the success of any operation.

Sanitation is a rather simple word, commonly used in our daily conversations to refer to the establishment of environmental conditions that are favorable to health. It is those management practices that actually prevent disease or contamination by disease causing organisms. For the most part, they are simple
mechanical applications. They are not sophisticated and usually require little in capital expenditures. These management practices do require a positive attitude, a workable program, and proper application.

There is a practical way to clean a poultry house or hatchery. Each time, the process involves time, labor, energy, and money, so the job must be done correctly to achieve the best results. Disinfecting alone will not control disease, but combined with other disease control practices, will do much to reduce the incidence of many diseases.

Vaccination is one of the more effective ways to prevent specific diseases. This is why we vaccinate poultry; so they are protected from explosive disease outbreaks. Viruses stimulate the development of better immunity than other types of microorganisms; so most poultry vaccinations are against viral diseases like Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, laryngotracheitis, fowl pox, and infectious bursal disease.

Disease producing microorganisms can be classified smallest to largest as viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and parasites. All except the viruses are sensitive to drugs or antibiotics, so treatment against them is available when outbreaks occur. Because viruses are resistant to drugs and antibiotics, their control is fully dependent upon prevention through sanitation, isolation, and vaccination.

Vaccination is basically the introduction of a specific biological substance (antigen) into the bird to stimulate the formation of a resistance or immunity to a particular disease. Usually the biological substance is some of the live disease organisms that you want to protect the bird against. The presence of these organisms in the blood stimulates the body's defense mechanism to produce antibodies that attack the disease causing organisms when the bird is exposed to them. Scientists have developed weakened (attenuated) forms of most
disease causing viruses with little danger of causing the severe form of the disease. Even the killed form of some disease causing viruses stimulate the production of antibodies. In these cases, the 100 percent safely killed virus is used. Short-term protection against a particular disease can also be given by vaccination with an antiserum that contains antibodies previously formed by animals that have been exposed to that particular disease.

So-called vaccination outbreaks do occur periodically. The factors influencing vaccine response in poultry are many, mainly depending on the host and environment. Seldom are all factors considered when vaccination programs are initiated. Ordinarily some protective immunity is produced when poultry are vaccinated, although the vaccine in itself cannot guarantee it. When vaccination failures occur, the total vaccination program should be reviewed.

Although vaccination offers a method of preventing many poultry diseases from establishing themselves, certain drugs and antibiotics are needed to help alleviate the symptoms of a vast number of diseases. The drugs make up an unassociated list of chemicals, and a great many are specific for a certain disease or for a group of similar diseases. New ones come on the market regularly and many others are in the process of experimentation.

Drugs must reach the pathogenic microscopic organisms in the bird to be effective. Most drugs kill on contact, weaken the organism, or upset its life cycle. Drugs may be administered through the feed, in water, or by injection.

Most drugs are chemicals that disrupt the life cycle of the organism involved. As most of the drugs are quantitative, their activity is determined by the amount administered to the bird. Some are effective when given in a large amount over a short period; others are better if given in small daily dosages over a long period. To be effective, the manufacturer's recommended dosage must be used. Any dilution will not produce the results anticipated. Some drugs produce excellent results from a disease prevention standpoint, but can have a harmful
effect on the bird. Therefore, do not administer more than the recommended amount of any drug.

When drugs are administered to a bird over a long period of time, particularly at a low level, certain species of bacteria become resistant, and finally the resistance becomes so great that the drug is ineffective. Resistance develops primarily to drugs that are absorbed from the intestinal (systemic drugs) tract although resistance to non-absorbed drugs like bacitracin has been documented.

Antibiotics are used for disease control. Usually they are specific for those diseases caused by bacteria or related organisms. They are of no value against virus infections except to reduce stress on the birds caused by secondary bacterial/fungal/parasitic infections. The beneficial effects of antibiotics are due to their ability to disrupt various phases of cellular metabolism.

An antibiotic will prevent bacterial multiplication, provided enough is present to attack all the bacteria present. If the amount of antibiotic is small and the number of bacteria large, the antibiotic will not produce its full effect. Antibiotics also act by changing the intestinal flora.

Some drugs used in the poultry industry produce major effects in treating specific diseases; others are less valuable, and some are ineffective. In some instances the birds have become resistant, producing a change in the value of the drug. The diagnostic laboratory uses a technique known as a sensitivity test to determine which drugs are effective in treating a disease. The test actually shows which drugs are effective and those that are ineffective for treating the disease.

Proper administration of medications requires that all precautions be followed as shown on the product label. Be sure that the dosage, route of administration, and required withdrawal period are observed. Use only drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of the specific poultry disease involved.

Regardless of the products used, always keep an accurate record of all vaccines and medications administered to the birds. Record the dates, product lot numbers, and all other pertinent information that can be used to monitor the flock's health status.

Remember that disease can affect all types of birds, and all types of people keep birds. Disease outbreaks never discriminate. By practicing health control in the flock, the producer also helps insure the health status of other producers located near him. Good neighbors are a valuable asset in the prevention and elimination of disease problems.

All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.

We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Raising Quail, Sanitation, Cleanliness and Disinfectants

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 23:01:00 +0000

If you want to be successful at raising quail, you will need a good management program. Three major parts of your management program must include: Cleaning, Sanitation and Disinfectants.

When raising quail these three things are required before you receive eggs, before moving chicks to brooding area and before moving to grow out pens. They are also required through out the whole raising quail process.

Below is an article from: www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.

This is a very good atricle that can help make your raising quail experience a lot better.

Sanitation: Cleaning and Disinfectants

Diseases and infections have always been a major concern to the poultry industry--especially in the hatchery. Fortunately, microbial contamination can be prevented and controlled using proper management practices and modern health products. Microorganisms are everywhere! Some are relatively harmless while others are highly pathogenic. Some pose a lethal threat to one species of animal while remaining harmless to another species. Some organisms are easily destroyed while others are very difficult to eliminate. The moral is: Treat all microorganisms as if they are a severe threat to the chick's livelihood.

Understanding the terms used to describe microbial control is important when selecting the appropriate action for eliminating disease causing organisms. Three terms commonly used but often misunderstood are sterilization, disinfection, and sanitation.

· Sterilization - The destruction of all infective and reproductive forms of all microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, virus, etc.).

· Disinfection - The destruction of all vegetative forms of microorganisms.Spores are not destroyed.

· Sanitation - The reduction of pathogenic organism numbers to a level at which they do not pose a disease threat to their host.

Most hatchery personnel have the impression that they are approaching a sterile condition because they use disinfectants when "disinfecting" the facilities. In fact, they may only achieve a sanitized condition at the very best. The most important consideration to remember when striving for a sanitized hatchery is that cleanliness is essential.

Proper cleaning of facilities removes the vast majority of all organisms and must be used before application of disinfectants. This applies to all areas within the hatchery including floors, walls, setters, hatcher's, trays, chick processing equipment, air and personnel. The success of a hatchery sanitation program is limited only by its weakest link. It is extremely important to remove as much organic matter as practicable from surfaces to be disinfected. All debris including down, egg shells, droppings, tissue residues, etc. must be removed from the hatchery. This is followed by thorough cleaning using warm water and appropriate cleaning aides. Care is focused on selecting the proper detergent and thus producing the cleanest hatchery environment possible. Special attention is placed on compensating for variations in hardness, salinity and pH of the cleaning water. A thorough rinsing with abundant quantities of clean sanitized water completes the cleaning process and removes most lingering residues of detergents, organic matter or microbial organisms that can interfere with the effectiveness of a disinfectant.

Only after the facilities have been thoroughly cleaned are the surfaces treated with an appropriate disinfectant solution. Not all disinfectants are suited for every situation. When selecting the right disinfectant, carefully consider:

1. The type of surface being treated.
2. The cleanliness of the surface.
3. The type of organisms being treated.
4. The durability of the equipment/surface material.
5. Time limitations on treatment duration.
6. Residual activity requirements

If the surface is free of organic matter and residual activity is not required, quaternary ammonium compounds and possibly halogen compounds can be used effectively. However, if surfaces are difficult to clean, residual activity is required or the contaminating organisms are difficult to destroy, then multiple phenolics or coal tar distillates may be needed.

Careful attention must assure that the disinfectant, if used as directed, meets requirements of the user. Be reasonable and don't expect the product to produce unattainable performance. Instead, select a different product or modify disease control practices.

In general, disinfectants can be divided into seven major categories. A more detailed summary of the basic attributes of each category of disinfectants is available later in this discussion as "General Characteristics of Disinfectants". The various classes of disinfectants are:

1. Alcohols
2. Halogens
3. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
4. Phenolics
5. Coal Tar Distillates
6. Aldehydes
7. Oxidizing Agents

Although many disinfectants are available, those most suited for use in today's hatcheries include quaternary ammonium compounds, phenolics and aldehydes. However, each disinfectant is used only in appropriate locations for meeting the purposes for which it is designed.

Several considerations must be remembered when using any disinfectant to maximize its effectiveness. Some of these general considerations are:

Few disinfectants are effective instantaneously. Each requires a certain amount of time to bond with the microbe and exert a destructive influence. Allow adequate contact time (usually 30 minutes is sufficient) or select a different disinfectant.

When selecting disinfectants, consider their effectiveness on organisms that are of greatest concern. If a hatchery is experiencing problems with a certain viral disease, the disinfectant selected must be effective for destroying the specific organism causing the problem. Not all disinfectants are effective on all types or species of organisms. In most situations it is advisable to clean and disinfect in two different operations that are separated with thorough water rinsing. Many
cleaning/disinfecting producers promote their product based on ease and economy of use because they clean and disinfect in one operation. If these products are used, make sure that they satisfy all efficacy requirements demanded of other disinfectants.

The efficacy of disinfectant solutions is usually enhanced when applied in warm solutions rather that cold solutions. "Hot" solutions, however, may reduce disinfectant efficacy or promote a "cooked-on" condition for unremoved protein-rich residues.

When possible, allow all surfaces to dry thoroughly prior to reuse. Dryness helps prevent the reproduction, spread and transport of disease organisms. Although a surface is clean, it is more easily recontaminated with organisms if water remains on the surface. It is important when selecting the best disinfectant to consider its effect upon the developing embryo and the hatchery environment. Embryos are in a very sensitive stage of development when the eggs enter the hatchery. They can be severely affected if subjected to chemical vapors, even if a sterile environment is provided.

It must be remembered that an egg is not produced in a sterile environment. Before it is laid, the egg is subjected to a series of microbial attacks that can reduce the embryo's potential to develop into a healthy, robust chick. The vent of the hen is probably the most contaminated area that an egg passes through.

Poorly maintained nests can also distribute organisms to noninfected eggs. Fortunately, nature has provided several protective barriers for the embryo. Hatchery personnel must not conduct any procedure that interferes with the egg's natural defense. Producers must make every effort to collect and store eggs so that natural protections are not compromised.

Keeping egg shell surfaces dry is very important to prevent excessive microbial contamination and shell penetration. Without benefit of aqueous water the potentially dangerous microorganisms have little opportunity to invade the egg shell and infect the embryo. Sweating of eggs as they are moved from warm to cool environments must be prevented if sanitation programs are to be successful.

Embryos have the same requirements prior to pipping that the chicks have following hatching. They have the need for heat, moisture, and a high-quality source of air. They can be severely affected by harmful fumes originating from many chemicals often found in or near the hatchery. Although hatchability may not be affected, the quality of the chicks can be reduced. Whenever unusual odors from detrimental chemicals are detected in the hatchery, the product must be removed.

This applies to all chemicals within the hatchery, including disinfectants. As an example, vapors produced by improper use of phenolic disinfectants can cause changes in egg proteins and impair hatchability and chick quality.

Improper selection or use of some disinfectants can damage or hinder the function of hatchery equipment. Many disinfectants are corrosive and damaging to equipment parts. Some disinfectants can clog and gum-up spray nozzles if added to the water used in humidifiers. It is possible that electronic control devices can also be severely damaged or destroyed after prolonged exposure to some disinfectants.

Select disinfectants wisely and always follow label directions for their safe use. Not only does management have the responsibility to maximize hatchability and chick quality, but also to provide a safe working environment for the hatchery personnel. Safety of the people working in the hatchery must never be sacrificed for cost or productive efficiency.

Assuming that a proper state of sanitation is achieved, it must be remembered that the status of disease-free surfaces can be compromised if facilities are not maintained properly. Hatchery personnel must be made aware that they can be a major source of reinfection by transporting of microorganisms on clothes, hands and attire. Since people are direct carriers of microbes, provisions must be made available at appropriate locations in the hatchery for the washing of hands and footwear. Laboratory coats and caps can significantly reduce the spread of microbial organisms. Restricting movement of hatchery personnel by assigning duties within specific areas can reduce the distribution of organisms throughout the hatchery.

The risk posed by disease causing organisms is a constant challenge to hatchery personnel. Always use control measures that have been proved effective rather than trusting visual cleanliness as an indicator of sanitation. A clean surface does not always indicate a disease-free state. Assuming so may be fatal to the chicks and the management program.

We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Poultry Disease and Raising Quail (Part 10)

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 02:19:00 +0000

Poultry and Raising Quail health basics.

Disease prevention focuses primarily on dedicated planning and sound management practices that keep infectious diseases out in the first place and stop noninfectious diseases before they start. With this approach, you place a higher priority on planning and expenditures for disease prevention than on short-term savings and stop-gap treatments. It is essentially a mental attitude that recognizes the ever present risk of disease and the fact that disease prevention does not cost; it pays, and many times over.

Failure to concentrate on planned disease prevention often leads to personal disappointment and sometimes disastrous financial loss. A flock receiving good health security management is a delight, and a source of both pride and profit.

A good disease control program emphasizes three primary goals or areas:
1. Reduce exposure to disease organisms by proper sanitation and stress management.
2. Increase bird resistance to disease by using recommended immunization procedures.
3. Treat disease outbreaks with specific medications that are effective against the disease being treated.

Diseases have consistently been a major limiting factor to profitable production. Some diseases result from egg transmission or organisms through the use of infected breeder flocks. Other diseases are brought into the poultry house by vectors like wild birds, rodents, parasites, and even the poultry man.

Disease results when exposure combined with the virulence of an organism is greater than the resistance of the host. Disinfectants reduce the exposure time and number of organisms. Vaccines help build the natural resistance or immunity of the birds. Medications and drugs help battle the disease organisms after they have overwhelmed the birds' natural defenses.

Most diseases can be eradicated from the poultry flock by applying the basic principles of hygiene and excellent sanitation. Other diseases are not easily eliminated, but can be controlled by proper use of disinfectants and sanitizers. If not controlled, the potential for microbial contamination and spread of infectious diseases in the flock is always a threat to the success of any operation.

Sanitation is a rather simple word, commonly used in our daily conversations to refer to the establishment of environmental conditions that are favorable to health. It is those management practices that actually prevent disease or contamination by disease causing organisms. For the most part, they are simple mechanical applications.

They are not sophisticated and usually require little in capital expenditures. These management practices do require a positive attitude, a workable program, and proper application.

There is a practical way to clean a poultry house or hatchery. Each time, the process involves time, labor, energy, and money, so the job must be done correctly to achieve the best results. Disinfecting alone will not control disease, but combined with other disease control practices, will do much to reduce the incidence of many diseases.

Vaccination is one of the more effective ways to prevent specific diseases. This is why we vaccinate poultry; so they are protected from explosive disease outbreaks. Viruses stimulate the development of better immunity than other types of microorganisms; so most poultry vaccinations are against viral diseases like Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, laryngotracheitis, fowl pox, and infectious bursal disease.

Disease producing microorganisms can be classified smallest to largest as viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and parasites. All except the viruses are sensitive to drugs or antibiotics, so treatment against them is available when outbreaks occur. Because viruses are resistant to drugs and antibiotics, their control is fully dependent upon prevention through sanitation, isolation, and vaccination.

Vaccination is basically the introduction of a specific biological substance (antigen) into the bird to stimulate the formation of a resistance or immunity to a particular disease. Usually the biological substance is some of the live disease organisms that you want to protect the bird against. The presence of these organisms in the blood stimulates the body's defense mechanism to produce antibodies that attack the disease causing organisms when the bird is exposed to them. Scientists have developed weakened (attenuated) forms of most disease causing viruses with little danger of causing the severe form of the disease. Even the killed form of some disease causing viruses stimulate the production of antibodies. In these cases, the 100 percent safely killed virus is used. Short-term protection against a particular disease can also be given by vaccination with an antiserum that contains antibodies previously formed by animals that have been exposed to that particular disease.

So-called vaccination outbreaks do occur periodically. The factors influencing vaccine response in poultry are many, mainly depending on the host and environment. Seldom are all factors considered when vaccination programs are initiated. Ordinarily some protective immunity is produced when poultry are vaccinated, although the vaccine in itself cannot guarantee it. When vaccination failures occur, the total vaccination program should be reviewed.

Although vaccination offers a method of preventing many poultry diseases from establishing themselves, certain drugs and antibiotics are needed to help alleviate the symptoms of a vast number of diseases. The drugs make up an unassociated list of chemicals, and a great many are specific for a certain disease or for a group of similar diseases. New ones come on the market regularly and many others are in the process of experimentation.

Drugs must reach the pathogenic microscopic organisms in the bird to be effective. Most drugs kill on contact, weaken the organism, or upset its life cycle. Drugs may be administered through the feed, in water, or by injection.

Most drugs are chemicals that disrupt the life cycle of the organism involved. As most of the drugs are quantitative, their activity is determined by the amount administered to the bird. Some are effective when given in a large amount over a short period; others are better if given in small daily dosages over a long period. To be effective, the manufacturer's recommended dosage must be used. Any dilution will not produce the results anticipated. Some drugs produce excellent results from a disease prevention standpoint, but can have a harmful
effect on the bird. Therefore, do not administer more than the recommended amount of any drug.

When drugs are administered to a bird over a long period of time, particularly at a low level, certain species of bacteria become resistant, and finally the resistance becomes so great that the drug is ineffective.

Resistance develops primarily to drugs that are absorbed from the intestinal (systemic drugs) tract although resistance to non-absorbed drugs like bacitracin has been documented.

Antibiotics are used for disease control. Usually they are specific for those diseases caused by bacteria or related organisms. They are of no value against virus infections except to reduce stress on the birds caused by secondary bacterial/fungal/parasitic infections. The beneficial effects of antibiotics are due to their ability to disrupt various phases of cellular metabolism.

An antibiotic will prevent bacterial multiplication, provided enough is present to attack all the bacteria present. If the amount of antibiotic is small and the number of bacteria large, the antibiotic will not produce its full effect. Antibiotics also act by changing the intestinal flora.

Some drugs used in the poultry industry produce major effects in treating specific diseases; others are less valuable, and some are ineffective. In some instances the birds have become resistant, producing a change in the value of the drug. The diagnostic laboratory uses a technique known as a sensitivity test to determine which drugs are effective in treating a disease. The test actually shows which drugs are effective and those that are ineffective for treating the disease.

Proper administration of medications requires that all precautions be followed as shown on the product label. Be sure that the dosage, route of administration, and required withdrawal period are observed. Use only drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of the specific poultry disease involved.

Regardless of the products used, always keep an accurate record of all vaccines and medications administered to the birds. Record the dates, product lot numbers, and all other pertinent information that can be used to monitor the flock's health status.

Remember that disease can affect all types of birds, and all types of people keep birds. Disease outbreaks never discriminate. By practicing health control in the flock, the producer also helps insure the health status of other producers located near him. Good neighbors are a valuable asset in the prevention and elimination of disease problems.

All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.

We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Poultry Disease and Raising Quail. (Part 9)

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 23:48:00 +0000

Hexamitiasis (Infectious Catarrhal Enteritis)

Protozoan diseases

Hexamitiasis is an acute infectious disease of turkeys, quail, ducks, chukar partridges and pigeons. Heavy losses have been reported in one outbreak in ring-necked pheasants. Chickens apparently are not affected.

Hexamitiasis is a problem in every commercial turkey-producing area. It may be a major problem in localized areas during a particular year, followed by one or more years in which incidence is low. Hexamitiasis is caused by a one-celled parasite of the genus Hexamita. Hexamita meleagridis is the cause in turkeys; in pigeons it is Hexamita columbae. Experimentally, the Hexamita of turkeys can be transmitted to young quail, chicks and ducklings, and that of quail and partridges can be transmitted to poults. However, poults cannot be infected with
the organism isolated from pigeons.

This disease is found primarily in young birds, and outbreaks seldom occur in poults past ten or eleven weeks. Losses are most severe in birds three to five weeks old. Apparently, resistance develops rapidly with increasing age, regardless of previous exposure. The primary infection source is droppings from carrier birds. About a third of recovered birds become carriers. Most outbreaks result from a buildup of organisms through several broods of poults, making exposure of the following brood overwhelming. Indirect transmission may result from fecal material carried from one location to another on shoes or equipment. Free-flying birds also may be carriers.

Primary symptoms are listlessness and foamy or watery diarrhea with rapid weight loss due to the dehydrating effect. Birds often huddle together near the heat source and cry or "chirp" constantly as though in pain. Convulsions due to lowered blood sugar levels shortly precede death. Affected birds suffer losses in weight and survivors remain stunted.

Dehydration and emaciation are the principal gross lesions. Muscles are dark and dry. The intestine usually appears to have lost muscle tone. Intestinal contents are usually thin and watery, or may contain mucus.

Diagnosis depends upon history, symptoms and microscopic examination of intestinal contents. A definite diagnosis cannot be made unless typical flagellated organisms can be detected in intestinal contents of the duodenum. Most flagellate organisms in the cecae are not disease producers.

All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.

We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Poultry Disease and Raising Quail. (Part 8)

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:41:00 +0000

Protozoan diseases

Blackhead (Histomoniasis, Enterohepatitis)

Blackhead is an acute or chronic protozoan disease of fowl, primarily affecting the cecae and liver. The disease is present wherever poultry are raised. Blackhead is one of the critical diseases of growing turkeys and game birds. It may cause stunted growth, poor feed utilization and death. It is of lesser economic importance in chickens since they are more resistant, but the incidence in chickens apparently is increasing.

Blackhead is caused by a protozoan parasite called Histomonas meleagridis. The organism in passed in the fecal material of infected birds. In many instances, the organism is shed within the eggs of the cecal worm of chickens, turkeys and game birds. Free-living blackhead organisms do not survive long in nature, but those in cecal worm eggs may survive for years. Therefore, most blackhead transmission is considered due to ingesting infected cecal worm eggs. Transmission may also occur by the earthworm.

Chickens are frequently infected without showing signs of the disease. These chickens may shed enormous numbers of blackhead organisms, many of which are protected by cecal worm eggs. Outbreaks in turkeys can often be traced to direct or indirect contact with ranges, houses or equipment previously used by chickens. Free-flying birds may also contribute to an infection.

Most blackhead losses occur in young birds (six to sixteen weeks). Among the symptoms are loss of appetite, increased thirst, droopiness, drowsiness, darkening of the facial regions and diarrhea. Morbidity and mortality are variable, but mortality seldom exceeds fifteen percent; however, it may approach one-hundred percent in uncontrolled turkey outbreaks. Losses are usually low in chickens.

Lesions of uncomplicated blackhead are confined to the cecae and liver, thus the reason for the synonymous term, enterohepatitis. The cecae are ballooned and walls may be thickened, necrotic and ulcerated. Caseous (cheesy) cores within the cecae may be blood tinged. Peritonitis may be present if ulcers have perforated the ceca walls. Livers are swollen and display circular depressed areas of necrosis about one-half inch in diameter. Smaller lesions coalesce to form larger ones. Lesions are yellowish to yellow-green and extend deeply into the underlying liver tissue. Healing lesions may resemble those seen in visceral leukosis.

Blackhead diagnosis is made readily on the basis of the lesions. Atypical forms, particularly in chickens, must be differentiated from cecal coccidiosis and Salmonella infections in particular. Medications may interfere with atypical lesions. Laboratory tests may be required for positive diagnosis in such cases.

Good management practices can do much to control the blackhead problem. Do not keep birds of different species on the same premises. Do not range turkeys on ground previously used by chickens unless several years have elapsed. Rotate ranges periodically if possible. Cecal worm control is necessary to reduce blackhead incidence. Wire or slatted floors reduce exposure.

Good management is the only effective method of preventing this disease since many of the effective drugs used in past years are no longer available commercially. Drugs that reduce the presence of cecal worms, and thus reduce the infection rate, are available but do not have an effect on the Histomonas organism. Refer to the cecal worm section for recommended control practices.

All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.

We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Poultry Disease and Raising Quail. (Part 7)

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 22:54:00 +0000

Protozoan diseases

Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is a disease of fowl caused by a microscopic animal or protozoa and is characterized by diarrhea, unthriftiness and variable levels of mortality. In spite of much research to advance the control and treatment of this disease, it remains the most costly disease of the poultry industry.

Coccidiosis is caused by microscopic animals called coccidia. There are many species of coccidia that can infect fowl, domestic animals and humans. Each species of coccidia is host specific and does not infect a wide variety of animals. After an outbreak of a specific species of coccidia, the flock will develop a resistance to the exposed coccidia species but remain resistant to other infective species. This means that a flock may experience several outbreaks of coccidiosis, each being
caused by a different species of coccidia. Chickens are susceptible to any of nine coccidia species, turkeys are susceptible to seven species and quail are susceptible to at least four different species of coccidia.

Coccidiosis is transmitted by direct or indirect contact with droppings of infected birds. When a bird ingests coccidia, the organisms invade the lining of the intestine and produce tissue damage as the undergo reproduction. Within a week after infection, the coccidia shed immature descendants that are referred to as oocysts. The oocysts shed in the droppings are not capable of infecting another bird unless they pass through a maturation process (sporulation) in the litter. This sporulation
occurs within a one to three day period if the litter is warm and damp but can take much longer if the conditions are cool and dry. After sporulation the coccidia are infective if consumed by a new host bird.

The number of infective coccidia consumed by the host is a primary factor as to the severity of the resulting infection. An infection may be mild enough to go unnoticed while a large infective dose of coccidia may produce severe lesions that can cause death. Coccidia survive for long periods outside the bird's body. They are easily transmitted from one house to another on contaminated boots, clothing, free-flying birds, equipment, feed sacks, insects and rodents.

Coccidiosis usually occurs in growing birds and young adults. It is seldom seen in birds under three weeks or in mature birds. Signs of an outbreak include birds that are pale, droopy, tend to huddle, consume less feed and water, have diarrhea, and may become emaciated and dehydrated. Laying hens will experience a reduction in rate of egg production.

Cecal coccidiosis may produce bloody droppings and anemia that is often followed by death. Intestinal coccidiosis is not as acute and is more chronic in nature. It produces less mortality than the cecal form. Lesions of the infection depend on the species of coccidia causing the problem, its severity and stage of the disease. Cecal coccidiosis may produce a ballooning of the cecal pouches that is filled with free blood. A later stage is characterized by cecae that are filled with a material
with a cheesy consistency and being tinged with variable amounts of blood. Lesions of intestinal coccidiosis vary from a rather mild enteritis to a severe necrotic or hemorrhagic type.

Cecal coccidiosis may be confused with blackhead and salmonellosis due to their similar lesions. Intestinal coccidiosis may be confused with hemorrhagic anemia syndrome and other enteric diseases. Definite diagnosis is made from the microscopic examination of scrapings of the digestive tract and identification of the coccidia organisms. Since it is common for healthy birds to possess some coccidia, consideration of flock history and lesions must be considered before making diagnosis
and treatment recommendations.

It is difficult, if not impossible, to prevent coccidiosis by sanitation alone. It is best prevented by addition of a drug (coccidiostat) to the feed that controls the growth of coccidia in the digestive tract. Many coccidiostats are available commercially. Coccidiostats should not be indiscriminately used and recommendations must be followed precisely.

A coccidiosis vaccine is also available commercially. The product is useful only in certain types of poultry operations and must be used as recommended. Seek expert advice before using the vaccine.

All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.

We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Poultry Disease and Raising Quail. (Part 6)

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:31:00 +0000

Ulcerative Enteritis (Quail disease)

Ulcerative enteritis is an acute or chronic infection of game birds, chickens, turkeys and other domestic fowl. Death losses may be high for young quail or pullets being raised for egg production.

The cause of the disease is Clostridium colinum, a spore forming bacterial rod. The infection spreads by the droppings from sick or carrier birds to healthy birds. The disease organism is very resistant to disinfectants and will persist under varying environmental conditions.

Birds with the acute form may die suddenly while in good flesh, whereas more chronically affected birds become listless, have ruffled feathers, whitish watery diarrhea, and develop a humped-up posture. Such birds usually die in an extremely emaciated condition.

The dropping may be confused with those of birds with coccidiosis and the two diseases are often seen in the same bird. Droppings of birds with only ulcerative enteritis never contain blood.

The postmortem lesions are characteristic. The entire intestinal tract often has button-like ulcers but the lower portion is most often affected. These ulcers often perforate, resulting in local or generalized peritonitis.

Although the disease is characteristic in nature, anyone suspecting the infection should seek professional confirmation before treatment is started. Bacitracin and penicillin are the most effective drugs in the treatment and prevention of this disease. If bacitracin is used, it should be incorporated in the feed at levels up to 200 grams per ton of feed. Addition of bacitracin to the water at the rate of one teaspoon per gallon aids in controlling an outbreak of the disease. Either method of
administering bacitracin will control the disease within two weeks, unless a bacitracin-resistant strain of the disease organism is present. Penicillin is also used to treat the disease if bacitracin is not effective.

Raising birds on wire is an effective preventative measure. Specific drugs (bacitracin or penicillin) fed at low levels, are effective for controlling the disease in operations where the use of wire flooring is
impractical.

All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.

We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Poultry Disease and Raising Quail. (Part 5)

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 23:28:00 +0000

Parasitic diseases (external)

Gapeworms

The gapeworm (Syngamus trachea) is a round red worm that attach to
the trachea (windpipe) of birds and causes the disease referred to as
"gapes". The term describes the open-mouth breathing characteristic of
gapeworm-infected birds. Heavily infected birds usually emit a grunting
sound because of the difficulty in breathing and many die from
suffocation. The worms can easily block the trachea, so they are
particularly harmful to young birds.

The gapeworm is sometimes designated as the "red-worm"; or "forkedworm"
because of its red color and because the male and female are
joined in permanent copulation. They appear like the letter Y. The
female is the larger of the two and is one-fourth to one inch in length.
The male gapeworm may attain a length of one-fourth inch. Both sexes
attach to the lining of the trachea with their mouthparts. Sufficient numbers may accumulate in the trachea to hinder air passage.

The life cycle of the gapeworm is similar to that of the cecal worm; the
parasite can be transmitted when birds eat embryonated worm eggs or
earthworms containing the gapeworm larvae. The female worm lays
eggs in the trachea, the eggs are coughed up, swallowed, and pass out
in the droppings. Within eight to fourteen days the eggs embryonate
and are infective when eaten by birds or earthworms. The earthworm,
snails and slugs serve as primary intermediate hosts for the gapeworm.
Gapeworms in infected earthworms remain viable for four and a half
years while those in snails and slugs remain infective for one year.

After being consumed by the bird, gapeworm larvae hatch in the intestine and migrate from the intestine to the trachea and lungs.
Gapeworms infect chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, pheasants, chukar
partridge, and probably other birds. Young birds reared on soil of
infected range pens are at high risk (pen-raised game birds). Some
control or reduction in infection density (worms/bird) is achieved by
alternating the use of range pens every other year and/or using a pen
for only one brood each year. Tilling the soil in the pens at the end of
the growing season helps to reduce the residual infection. Treating the
soil to eliminate earthworms, snails and slugs is possible but the cost is usually prohibitive.

Gapeworms are best prevented by administering a wormer at fifteen to
thirty day intervals or including a drug at low levels continuously
beginning fifteen days after birds are placed in the infected pens. One
drug that is effective for eliminating gapeworms is fenbendazole,
however, its use is not presently approved for use in birds by the Food
and Drug Administration.

All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.

We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Poultry Disease and Raising Quail. (Part 4)

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 21:39:00 +0000

Parasitic diseases (external)

Fowl Tick (Blue Bug)

The Fowl Tick (Argas persicus) may be a serious parasite of poultry if it
becomes numerous in poultry houses or on poultry ranges. The tick is a
blood-sucker, and when present in large numbers it results in weakened
birds, reduced egg production, emaciation and even death. The fowl
tick is found throughout most of the South and is extremely hardy. Ticks
have been kept alive without food for more than three years. The ticks
will feed on all fowl.

Fowl ticks spend most of their lives in cracks and hiding places,
emerging at night to take a blood meal. Mating takes place in the hiding
areas. A few days after feeding, the female lays a batch of eggs. In
warm weather the eggs hatch within fourteen days. In cold weather they
may take up to three months to hatch. Larvae that hatch from the eggs
crawl around until they find a host fowl. They remain attached to the
birds for three to ten days. After leaving the birds they find hiding places
and molt before seeking another blood meal. This is followed by
additional moltings and blood meals.

Ticks are difficult to eradicate and methods employed must be
performed carefully. It is not necessary to treat the birds, but houses
and surrounding areas must be treated thoroughly.

All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.

We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Poultry Disease and Raising Quail, (Part 3)

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:54:00 +0000

PARASITES (EXTERNAL)

Capillaria (Capillary or Thread Worms)

There are several species of Capillaria that occur in poultry. Capillaria
annulata and Capillaria contorta occur in the crop and esophagus.
These may cause thickening and inflammation of the mucosa, and
occasionally severe losses are sustained in turkeys and game birds.
In the lower intestinal tract there may be several different species but
usually Capillaria obsignata is the most prevalent. The life cycle of this
parasite is direct. The adult worms may be embedded in the lining of
the intestine. The eggs are laid and passed in the droppings. Following
embryonation that takes six to eight days, the eggs are infective to any
other poultry that may eat them. The most severe damage occurs within
two weeks of infection. The parasites frequently produce severe
inflammation and sometimes cause hemorrhage. Erosion of the
intestinal lining may be extensive and result in death. These parasites
may become a severe problem in deep litter houses. Reduced growth,
egg production and fertility may result from heavy infections.

If present in large numbers, these parasites are usually easy to find at
necropsy. Eggs may be difficult to find in droppings, due to the small
size and time of infection.

Since treatment for capillaria is often lacking, control is best achieved
by preventive measures. Some drugs, fed at low levels, may be of value
in reducing the level of infection on problem farms. Game birds should
be raised on wire to remove the threat of infection. As some species of
capillaria have an indirect life cycle, control measures may have to be
directed toward the intermediate host. Hygromycin and meldane may be
used for control.

Additional vitamin A may be of value. Effective treatments that are not
approved by the Food and Drug Administration are fenbendazole and leviamisole.

All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.

We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Poultry Disease and Raising Quail. (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:28:00 +0000

PARASITES (EXTERNAL)

Parasitic diseases (external)

Poultry Lice
The primary effects of lice on their hosts are the irritations they cause.
The birds become restless and do not feed or sleep well. They may
injure themselves or damage their feathers by pecking or scratching
areas irritated by lice. Body weight and egg production may drop.
All lice infecting poultry and birds are the chewing type. Mites may be
confused with lice, but mites suck blood. In general, each species of lice
is confined to a particular kind of poultry, although some may pass from
one kind to another when birds are closely associated. Chickens usually
are infested with one or more of seven different species; turkeys have
three common species.

All species of poultry lice have certain common habits. All live
continuously on feathered hosts and soon die if removed. The eggs are
attached to the feathers. Young lice resemble adults except in color and
size. Lice differ in preferred locations on the host, and these
preferences have given rise to the common names applied to various
species.

In general, the incubation period of lice eggs is four to seven days, and
development of the lice between hatching and the adult stage requires
about twenty-one days. Mating takes place on the fowl, and egg laying
begins two to three days after lice mature. The number of eggs
probably ranges from fifty to three-hundred per female louse.

As the name suggests, the Head Louse (Cuclotogaster heterographa) is
found mainly on the head, although it occurs occasionally on the neck
and elsewhere. It usually is located near the skin in the down or at the
base of the feathers on the top and back of the head and beneath the
beak. In fact, the head of the louse often is found so close to the skin
that poultrymen may think it is attached to the skin or is sucking blood.

Although it does not suck blood, the head louse is very irritating and
ranks first among lice as a pest of young chickens and turkeys. Heavily
infested chicks soon become droopy and weak and may die before they
are a month old. When the chickens become fairly well feathered, head
lice decrease but may increase again when the fowls reach maturity.
This louse is oblong, grayish and about 1/10-inch long. The pearly-white
eggs are attached singly to the down or at the base of the small
feathers on the head. They hatch within five days into minute, pale,
translucent lice resembling adults in shape.

The Body Louse (Menacanthus stramineus) of chickens prefers to stay
on the skin rather than on the feathers. It chooses parts of the body that
are not densely feathered, such as the area below the vent. In heavy
infestations, it may be found on the breast, under the wings and on
other parts of the body, including the head.

When the feathers are parted, straw-colored body lice may be seen
running rapidly on the skin in search of cover. Eggs are deposited in
clusters near the base of small feathers, particularly below the vent, or
in young fowls, frequently on the head or throat. Eggs hatch in about a
week and lice reach maturity within twenty days.

This is the most common louse infesting grown chickens. When present in large numbers, the skin is irritated greatly and scabs may result, especially below the vent.

The Shaft Louse or small body louse (Menopon gallinae) is similar in
appearance to the body louse, but smaller. It has a habit of resting on
the body feather shafts of chickens where it may be seen running
rapidly toward the body when feathers are parted suddenly. Sometimes
as many as a dozen lice may be seen scurrying down a feather shaft.
Since the shaft louse apparently feeds on parts of the feathers, it is
found in limited numbers on turkeys, guinea fowl and ducks kept in
close association with chickens. It does not infest young birds until they
become well feathered.

The same control measures used to eliminate mite populations is
effective for treating lice. It is more important to apply the insecticides
directly to the bird's body rather than the premises.

All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.

We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information

URL: http://msucares.com/poultry/diseases/disinfectants.html

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Poultry Disease and Raising Quail. (Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:23:00 +0000

PARASITES (EXTERNAL)

Poultry Mites

All classes of poultry are susceptible to mites, some of which are bloodsuckers,
while others burrow into the skin or live on or in the feathers.
Others occur in the air passages and in the lungs, liver and other
internal organs. Poultry mites cause retarded growth, reduced egg
production, lowered vitality, damaged plumage and even death. Much
of the injury, consisting of constant irritation and loss of blood, is not
apparent without careful examination.

Of primary concern to the poultryman is the Northern Fowl Mite
(Ornithonyssus sylviarum) which is a frequent and serious pest of
chickens. Heavy infestations result in low condition of the birds and
lower egg production, as well as a scabby skin condition. The mite
remains on the bird and does more damage than any other species of
mite. The mite does not leave the host bird, as do may species of mites,
and can be observed on birds in large numbers during daylight hours. It
prefers the feathers below the vent and around the tail, but can be
found on all parts of the body. The mite is extremely small and a microscope or
magnifying glass may be needed to see it.

The female northern fowl mite lays eggs on feathers where the young
mites complete their development without leaving the host. Since they
remain on the fowl most of the time, treatment of the birds is necessary
to destroy the mites.

The Common Chicken Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) is the most
common mite found on all types of poultry. It is a blood-sucker, and
when present in large numbers, loss of blood and irritation may be
sufficient to cause anemia. Egg production is seriously reduced.

This mite feeds at night, and usually remains hidden in cracks and crevices during the day. It attacks birds at night while they are on the roost. In heavy infestations, some mites may remain on the birds during the day.
About a day after feeding, the female lays eggs in cracks and
crevices of the house. The eggs hatch and the mites develop into adults
within about a week. During cold weather, the cycle is slower. A poultry
house remains infested four to five months after birds are removed.
Since the mite feeds on wild birds, these birds may be responsible for
spreading infestations. However, it is more likely that spread of the mite
is promoted by using contaminated coops. Human carriers are also
important. Since these mites do not stay on the birds during the day,
apply treatments to houses and equipment as well as the birds.

The Scaly-Leg Mite (Knemidocoptes mutans) lives under the scales on
feet and legs of poultry. It also may attach to the comb and wattles. It
causes a thickening of scales on the feet and legs that gives the
impression that the scales are protruding directly outward, rather that
laying flat on the limb. It spends its entire life cycle on the birds and
spreads mainly by direct contact.

The Depluming Mite (Knemidocoptes laevis, variety gallinae) causes
severe irritation by burrowing into the skin near the bases of feathers
and frequently causes feathers to be pulled out or broken. The mite is
barely visible to the naked eye and can be found in follicles at the base
of the feathers. The mites crawl around the birds at times, spreading
from bird to bird.

The most effective treatment for all mite species is a regular inspection
and spraying program of both the birds and their premises. An
appropriate solution of permethrin, when sprayed on the birds, will
eliminate all mites that infest the bird. The spraying of all facilities will
ensure that any mites hiding in cracks and crevices will be destroyed.
The treatment should be repeated on a one to two month schedule or
whenever populations of the mites are detected.

All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.

We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information

Last Modified: Tuesday 12-Sep-06 09:57:57
URL: http://msucares.com/poultry/diseases/disinfectants.html

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Why are my Newborn Quail Chicks Deformed and Dying?

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 21:32:00 +0000

I have been receiving so many emails asking this very question. I have written emails and articles with an answer that is the right one almost everytime.

When starting to raise quail or just wanting to change or add a different specie of quail. You will be purchasing eggs from someone else. As hard as it is for me to understand, there are many breeders that just don't care or have no idea of what they are doing or selling.

There is a right way and a wrong way of doing everything. Sometimes the wrong way is not quite as damaging as it is when it comes to raising quail. If a breeder has diseased quail laying eggs that they are selling. The buyer is paying for and trying to hatch quail chicks that don't have any chance of survival. The new breeder spends hours and even days trying to figure out what they could have possibly done wrong?

There are also breeders that never purchase new eggs from another breeders flock to avoid ever having an inbreeding problem. This can also be a big problem for people just getting into raising quail. They purchase eggs from the breeder and again the eggs may hatch, the chicks have abnormalities and die. Again the person new to raising quail wonders, what did I do wrong?

Note: Experienced breeders can get away without purchasing the new breeder stock and avoid inbreeding, because they keep proper records and know what they are doing.

The answer to what you did wrong is this. You did not check out the breeder you are purchasing from. Don't just purchase eggs from anybody just because they are cheap or easier to get your hands on. If you really want to have any success at raising quail. You will have to be picky about who you purchase from. Find out if the breeder has any records or papers on the quail they raise.

I highly recommend, only purchasing eggs from breeders that are NPIP certified (NATIONAL POULTRY IMPROVEMENT PLAN). If you really want to start raising quail. Do it the right way, even if it does cost a few more dollars up front. You will see better results at the end and actually save money.

To learn more about NPIP Click Here

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
Copyright © Gary Ortlieb
-----------------------------------------------------------------

What to do if you find a quail chick in your yard.

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:55:00 +0000

I have been receiving quite a few emails lately from non breeders of quail, who are finding quail chicks in their yard. These emails have been asking me for information on what they should do.

In this situation, one thing we know for sure. If this quail chick or chicks has been separated from the parent quail and left on their own, they are going to have a very short life span.

These quail are more likely to be consumed by a predator or the neighbor's cat, than to starve. So what should you do in this situation?

You always have the option of letting nature take it's course and do nothing. This is an obvious sentence to death for the quail chicks. But for the people that care about the safety and giving these quail chicks a chance at life, I feel there are several options.

1. Call your local wildlife and game agent, tell them the situation and have them send someone to gather the quail chicks so they can be taken care of properly. Keep an eye on the quail until the agents gets there, so you can protect them.

2. Try to gather the quail chick yourself. You must be extremely careful in doing this. The chick, just like any baby, is very fragile and can be severely injured very easily. If you are able to do this successfully, you will have to put them in a warm, clean space. They will need room temperature water. Then you can call your agent to pick them or it up.

Some people want to raise the single or couple quail chicks until big enough to release. Yes, this could be fun and an enjoyable experience. But if this is the choice you would decide on, you may as well let nature take it's course and not catch the quail chick to begin with. Keeping the quail and somehow being successful in raising the quail to reach maturity to release it, would be the same sentence to death.

Quail raised in a captive environment need to be properly prepared for release. Even with proper preparation, the chance of surviving the first year is only about 50 percent. Without the training it is 0 percent.

The decision is yours, please make the right one.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
Copyright © Gary Ortlieb
-----------------------------------------------------------------

AI and Raising Quail.

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:11:00 +0000

What is Avian Influenza (AI)?

AI is more commonly referred to as the bird flu. It is a rapidly spreading viral disease that mainly infects birds. Migratory birds, waterfowl, and shore birds are natural carriers. AI affects chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, and guinea fowl.

Why should I care about AI?

AI has generated a great deal of international attention. Disease experts say human cases are rare. Individuals who are in direct contact with infected birds or their droppings are most susceptible to the disease in the human form. A single case of AI in your area could affect the livelihood of all area poultry producers.

Testing for AI will help identify if the disease is present and will allow an immediate response which will help minimize the human health and economic
threats.

What are the signs of AI in birds?

1. Decrease in egg production.

2. Soft-shelled or misshapen eggs.

3. Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, and wattles.

4. Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs,and legs.

5. Respiratory signs: coughing, sneezing, respiratory distress.

6. Unstable coordination.

7. Sudden death.

The benefits of testing for AI?

1. PROTECTS POULTRY INDUSTRY

2. PROTECTS PUBLIC HEALTH

3. NO COST TO PRODUCERS

4. GAIN MARKETING EDGE WITH AI MONITORED STATUS

What animals should be tested?

TURKEYS, QUAIL, DUCKS, CHICKENS, PHEASANTS, GUINEAS and GEESE.

All this information has been provided by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture
www.agr.ne.gov

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------

What does NPIP mean when Raising Quail?

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Tue, 13 May 2008 22:32:00 +0000

When raising quail you will run across "NPIP Certified Breeder" quite often. For people new to raising quail, here is an explanation of what it means and a list of places by state to get your flock certified. This information has been provided by:

SOUTH CAROLINA
NATIONAL POULTRY IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health
POB 102406, Columbia, SC 29224
Dr. Julie Helm: 803-788-2260, ext. 232 Fax: 803-736-0885 jhelm@clemson.edu

FLOCKOWNER AGREEMENT for U. S. PULLORUM-TYPHOID CLEAN STATUS

SPECIFIC PROVISIONS FOR PARTICIPATING FLOCKS & HATCHERIES IN SC

Participants must do the following to maintain U.S. Pullorum-Typhoid Clean status:

1. The breeding stock, replacement breeders and birds used as “setters” must be Pullorum-Typhoid blood tested negative every 12 months. Each bird tested shall be identified with a SC NPIP/PIA sealed and numbered band. The first time a flock is tested for Pullorum-Typhoid Clean status, 100% of the flock must be tested supervised by a State Tester.

2. Annual inspection of flock, bird housing, hatchery and records.

3. New birds added to the farm (breeding or miscellaneous) must be tested Pullorum-Typhoid negative before adding to the flock if they are not coming from an U. S. Pullorum-Typhoid Clean flock.

4. Poultry equipment, poultry houses/pens and the land in the immediate vicinity shall be kept in sanitary condition. The participating flock, its eggs and all equipment used in connection with the flock shall be separated from nonparticipating flocks.

5. All flocks shall consist of healthy, normal individuals, characteristic of the breed, variety, cross or other combination, which they are stated to represent.

6. Hatcheries, including brooder rooms, shall be kept in sanitary condition:
a. Entire hatchery shall be shall be kept in a neat, orderly condition and free from accumulated dust.
b. Incubator walls, floors and trays shall be kept free from debris, such as broken eggs and eggshells.
c. Hatchers and trays shall be cleaned and disinfected after each hatch. Hatchery residue (eggshells, pips, etc.) shall be disposed of promptly and in a manner satisfactory to the SC NPIP State Inspector.
d. Tops of incubators and hatchers shall be kept clean (not used for storage).
e. Poultry must be kept separated from the incubator/hatcher rooms.
f. All baby poultry offered for sale shall be normal and typical of the breed, variety or cross. Hatching eggs shall be sound in shell and typical for the breed, variety or cross.

7. Records, which include date, buyer name & address, of purchases and sales of birds or hatching eggs shall be maintained and may be subject to inspection by the SC NPIP State Inspector.

8. Contact the NPIP Office (803) 788-2260, if you plan to send hatching eggs, chicks or birds across state lines as you will need NPIP shipping forms. You will need to contact the state of destination for their requirements.

STARTING A GAME BIRD FARM / PRESERVE

SC NPIP requirements:

South Carolina is a Pullorum-Typhoid Clean state and we require that birds under the NPIP program (including chickens, turkeys, pheasants, partridge, quail, grouse, guineas, ducks & geese) must enter our state from Pullorum-Typhoid Clean (certified) breeder flocks or be tested individually for the diseases.

1. If this is a hunting preserve, where you will get flight-ready birds to be hunted on this property, you will need to follow these requirements:
a. Buying birds within the state of South Carolina – no requirements.
b. Buying birds outside the state of South Carolina – you must buy from farms who are certified under the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) in their state or the birds must be tested Pullorum-Typhoid negative 30 days before entry into South Carolina.

2. If this will become a hatchery and/or grow-out farm, where you will have:
a. A breeder flock of your own, or
b. Plan to buy hatching eggs to hatch and/or grow-out to send out-of-state, or
c. Plan to buy day-old quail to grow-out to flight-ready condition to send out-of-state. . . .

Then your farm will have to become NPIP certified in order to send hatching eggs, chicks or flightready birds into another state. If this will be the case, please contact me to get you started under
NPIP: Julie Helm, 803-788-2260, ext. 232.

For information on the Southeastern Game Breeders’ and Hunting Preserve Association, contact:

Mickey Hall, Clemson University Extension 864-656-4022
Gary Davis, North Carolina State University Extension 919-515-5403

DNR Requirements: A license is required for Commercial Quail Breeders, Shooting Preserves, or Bird Dog Training Areas through the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. For information on these licenses contact Patty Castine at 803-734-3609.

OFFICIAL STATE AGENCIES -- THE NATIONAL POULTRY IMPROVEMENT PLAN 2008
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
State Contact Representative

AL.- Dr.Tony Frazier, State Veterinarian, Department of Agriculture & Industries, 1445 Federal Drive, Room 222, P.O. Box 3336, Montgomery 36107. Phone: (334)240-7255, FAX: ( 334)240-7198. Dana Brindley-Bennett, Department of Agriculture & Industries, P.O. Box 3336, Montgomery 36109-0336. Phone: (334)240-6590, FAX: (334)240-7281.

AZ.- Dr.Cesar Ruiz, Assistant State Veterinarian Arizona Department of Agriculture, 1688 West Adams Street, 3rd. Floor, Phoenix 85007.Phone: (602)542-4293, FAX: (602)542-4290. Dr. T. H. Noon, Assistant State Veterinarian, Arizona Department of Agriculture, 1688 West Adams Street, 3rd. Floor, Phoenix 85007. Phone: (602)316-3873, FAX: (602)542-4290.

AR.- Dr. Guy w/ Allen, Assistant Veterinarian, Arkansas Livestock & Poultry Commission, P.O. Box 85051 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock 72215. Phone: (501)907-2254, FAX: (501)907-2259.
Jane Elrod, Arkansas Livestock & Poultry Commission, 1 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock ,72205. Phone: (501)907-2446, FAX: (501)907-2259.

CA.- Bill Mattos, California Poultry Health Board, 4640 Spyres Way, Suite 4, Modesto 95356. Phone: 209/576-6355, FAX: (209)576-6119. Cell: (209)556-7555

CO.- Dr. Kristy Pabilonia, Colorado State University, 300 West Drake Road.Ft. Collins 80523. Phone: (970)297-4109, FAX: (970)297-0320.

CT.- Dr. Mary Jane Lis, State Veterinarian, Department of Agriculture, 165 Capitol Avenue, Rm. G8A, Hartford 06106. Phone: (860)713-2505, FAX: (860)713-2515.

DE.- Dr. Sara Busch, Acting State Veterinarian, State Department of Agriculture, 2320 South Dupont Highway,Dover 19901. Phone: (302)698-4500, ext. 4560, FAX: (302)697-4451.

FL.- Jennifer Jennings-Glover, Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, 2145 Lambert Lane, Tallahassee 32317. Phone: (850)251-1226, FAX: (850)921-3647.

GA.- Dr. Louise Dufour-Zavala Georgia Poultry Improvement Association, Inc., P.O. Box 20, Oakwood 30566. Phone: (770)535-5996, FAX: ( 770)535-5941. Cell: (770)654-0086 Dr. Ben Johnson, Georgia Poultry Laboratory, P.O. Box 20, Oakwood 30566. Phone: (770)535-5996, FAX: (770)535-5941.

ID.- Dr. Marilyn M. Simunich, State Dept. of Agriculture and Ind., Bureau Chief of Disease Surveillance Desk (208)332-8547
And Diagnostic, P.O. Box 7249, Boise 83712. Phone: (208)332-8540, FAX: (208)334-4062. Dorothy

IL.- Dr. Robert J. Waters, Illinois Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Industries, P.O. Box 19281, State
Fairgrounds, Springfield 62794. Phone: (217)782-4944, FAX: (217)524-7702.

IN.- Paul Brennan, Indiana State Poultry Association, Inc., Purdue University, Animal Sciences, 915 West State Street,
West Lafayette 47907-2054. Phone: (765)494-8517, FAX: (765)496-1600.
IA.- Kevin SVinchattle,Iowa Poultry Association, 8515 Douglas Avenue, Suite 9, Urbandale 50322-2924. Phone: (515)727-4701, FAX: (515)727-4707. Sheri Livingston, Iowa Poultry Association, 8515 Douglas Aven;ue, Suite 9, Urbandale 50322-2924. Phone: (515)727-4701 FAX: (515)727-4707.

KS.- Dr.Paul N. Grosdidier, State of Kansas, Kansas Animal Health Department, 708 South Jackson, Topeka 66603-3714..
Phone: (785)296-2326, FAX: (785)296-1765. (785)633-3638

KY.- Dr. Robert Stout, State Veterinarian, Kentucky Department of Agriculture,,Division of Animal Health, 100 Fair Oaks Lane,
Suite 252, Frankfort 40601. Phone: (502)564-3956; FAX: (502)564-7852. Sue Blair (502)564-3956; FAX: (502)564-7852. Melissa Miller, Executive Director, Kentucky Poultry Federation, P.O Box 577, Winchester 40392. Phone: (859)737-1048, FAX: (859)737-1049. Jennifer Hall (859)527-0048’ FAX: (859)527-0049

LA.- Dr. Henry I. Moreau, State Veterinarian, Office of Animal Health Services, P.O. Box 1951, Baton Rouge 70821. Phone: (225)925-3980, FAX (225)925-4103. Dr. Mike Barrington, Director Poultry Diagnostic Laboratory, Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry,
3520 Highway 79, Homer 71040. Phone: (318)927-3441; FAX: (318)927-3440.
ME Dr. Donald E. Hoenig, State Veterinarian, Maine Department of Agriculture, 28 State House Station, Augusta 04333-0028. Phone: (207)287-3701, FAX: (207)624-5044.

MD.- Kim Arnold, Maryland Department of Agriculture, Animal Health Laboratory, P.O. Box 2599, Salisbury 21802. Phone: (410)543-6610, FAX: (410)543-6676.

MA.- Edward Hageman, Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, Division of Poultry & Poultry Products, 251 Causeway
Street, Suite 500, Boston 02114-2151. Phone: (617)626-1796, FAX: (617)626-1850.

MI.- George House, Executive Director, National Poultry Improvement Plan, 5635 Forest Glen Drive SE, P.O. Box 242, ADA 49301. Phone: (616)676-5593, FAX: (616)676-1494. Dr. R.M. (Mick) Fulton, Michigan State University, Diagnostic Center for Population & Animal Health, 4125 Beaumont Road, Lansing, 48910-8104. Phone: (517)353-3701, FAX: (517)355-2152

MN.- Dr. Dale Lauer, Minnesota Board of Animal Health, P.O. Box 126, 622 Business Highway 71 NE, Willmar 56201 Phone: (320)231-5170, FAX: (320)231-6071

MS.- Dr. Jim Watson, State Veterinarian, Mississippi Board of Animal Health, P.O. Box 3889, Jackson 39207. Phone: (601)359-1170, FAX: (601)359-1177 Danny Thornton, Poultry Epidemiologist,4239 Ebenezer Road, Carthage 39051. Phone: (601)267-3844. FAX: (601)359-1177,

MO.- Rose Foster, Missouri Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 630, Jefferson City 65102. Phone: (573)522-3377
FAX: (573)751-5279.

MT.- Dr. Thomas F.T. Linfield, Assistant State Veterinarian, Montana Department of Livestock, Animal Health Division
P.O. Box 202001, Helena 59620-2001. Phone: (406)444-2043, FAX: (406)444-1929

NE.- Dr. Delwin Wilmot, Deputy State Veterinarian, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Industry, P.O. Box 94787,
Lincoln 68509-4787. Phone: (402)471-6837, FAX: (402)471-6893

NV.- Dr. Anette Rink, Laboratory Supervisor, Nevada Animal Disease and Food Safety Laboratory, 350 Capital Hill Avenue, Reno 89502-2923. Phone: (775)688-1182 ext. 232, FAX: (702)688-1198.

NH.- Dr. Stephen K. Crawford, State Veterinarian, New Hampshire Department of Agriculture & Division of Animal Industry,
P.O. Box 2042, Concord 03302-2042. Phone: (603)271-2404, FAX: (603)271-1109.

NJ.- Dr. Nancy E. Halpern, Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health, P.O. Box CN-330, Trenton 08625.
Phone: (609)943-4484; FAX: (609)777-8395.

NM.- Dr. Ron Parker, New Mexico State University, Agricultural Extension Service, Box 3AE, Las Cruces 88003. Phone: (505)646-1709, FAX: (505)646-3164.

NY.- Dr. John Huntley, State Veterinarian, Division of Animal Industry, Department of Agriculture & Markets, 10-B Airline Drive, Albany 12235. Phone: (518)457-3502, FAX: (518)485-7773.

NC.- Jimmy Collie, North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Veterinary Division, 1030 Mail Service Center, Raleigh 27699-1030. .Phone: (919)733-7601, FAX: (919)733-2277. Cell: (919)606-8105. Dr. Sara J. Mason, North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Veterinary Division, Veterinary Division 1030 Mail Service Center, Raleigh 27699-1030, Phone: (919)733-7601, FAX: (919)733-2277; Cell: (919)609-2644.

ND.- Dr. Andrea Grondahl,,North Dakota Department of Agriculture, 600 East Blvd. Avenue, Department 602, Bismarck 58505. Phone: (701)328-4762, FAX: (701)328-4567.

OH.- Jim Chakeres, Ohio Poultry Association, 5930 Sharon Woods Blvd., Columbus 43229. Phone: (614)882-6111; FAX: (614)882-9444.

OK.- Michael Herrin,Oklahoma State Department of Agriculture, Animal Industry Services, P.O. Box 528804, Oklahoma City 73152-8804. Phone: (405)522-6136, 331, FAX: (405)522-0756. Marie (405)522-6139 Dee Hilliard, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry, Animal Industry Services, P.O. Box 528804, 2800 North Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73152-8804. Phone: (918)787-1490.

OR.- Dr. Bruce Mueller, Oregon Department Of Agriculture, Animal Health & Identification, 635 South Capitol Street NE, Salem 97310-0110. Phone: (503)986-4680, FAX: (503)986-4734. Dr. Don Hansen, State Veterinarian, Oregon Department of Agriculture, 635 Capitol Street, NE,, Suite 100 Salem 97310-2532, Phone: (503)986-4680, FAX: (503)986-4734.

PA.- Dr. Nan Hanshaw-Roberts, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Health & Diagnostic Services, 2301 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg 17110-9408. Phone: (717)783-8555 Ext. 212, FAX: (717)787-1868

RI.- Dr. Christofer Hannafin, State Veterinarian,,Rhode Island Department of Agriculture, 235 Promenade Street, Providence 02908-5767. Phone: (401)222-2781 ext. 4503, FAX: (401)222-6047.

SC.- Dr. Julie D. Helm, Clemson Laboratory, Livestock-Poultry Health Department, P.O. Box 102406, Columbia 29224. Phone: (803)788-2260, FAX: (803)736-0885.

SD.- Dr. Thomas Cline/ Dr. Sam Holland, South Dakota Animal Industry Board, 411 South Fort Street, Pierre 57501. Phone: (605)773-3321, FAX: (605)773-5459

TN.- Dr. Ronald B. Wilson,, Sate Veterinarian, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Ellington Agricultural Center,
Box 40627, Melrose Station, Nashville 37204. Phone: (615)837-5120, FAX: (615)837-5250. Tina Rogers, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Ellington Agricultural Center, Box 40627, Melrose Station, Nashville 37204. Phone (615)837-5120, FAX (615)837-5250

TX.- Joseph C. Essler, Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, P.O. Drawer 3040, College Station 77841-3040. Phone: (979)845-4186, FAX: (979)845-1794.

UT.- Dr. Earl Rogers, State Veterinarian, Utah Department.of Agriculture, P.O. Box 146500, Salt Lake City 84114-6500. Phone (801)538-7162, FAX: (801)538-7169

VT.- Dr. Kerry A. Rood, State Veterinarian, Vermont Department of Agriculture, Food & Market, 116 State Street, Drawer 20, Montpelier 05620-2901. Phone: (802)828-2421, FAX: (802)828-5983.

VA.- Dr. G. G. Meza, Area Veterinarian, Division of Animal Health & Dairies, Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, 116 Reservoir Street, Harrisonburg 22801. Phone: (540)434-3897, FAX: (540)434-3880. Dr. Ronald King, Regional Veterinary Supervisor, Division of Animal Health & Dairies, Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, 116 Reservoir Street, Harrisonburg 22801. Phone: (540)434-3897, FAX: (540)564-2428

WA.- Dr. Paul Kohrs,, Assistant State Veterinarian, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety & Animal Health Division, 1111 Washington Street, P.O. Box 42577, Olympia 98504-2577. Phone: (360)902-1835, FAX: (360)902-2087. Barbara Baker, Washington Department of Agriculture, Food Safety, Animal Health, 1111 Washington Street, P.O. Box 42577, Olympia 98504-2577. Phone: (360)902-1878, FAX: (360)902-2087.

WV.- Dr. Jewell Plumley, Assistant Director Animal Health, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, 60-B Moorfield Industrial Park Road, Moorefield 26836. Phone: (304)538-2397, FAX: (304)538-7088.

WI.- Dr. Donald P. O'Connor, Animal Health Division, Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 8911, Madison 53708-8911 Phone: (608)224-4882, FAX: (608)224-4871. Dr. Robert G. Ehlenfeldt, State Veterinarian, Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health, P.O. Box 8911 Madison 53708-8911. Phone: (608)224-4872, FAX: (608)224-4871.

WY.- Dr. Douglas J. Leinart, Wyoming Livestock Board, Animal Health Division,2020 Carey Avenue, 4th Floor, Cheyenne 82002. .Phone: (307)777-6437, FAX: (307)777-6561.

National Poultry Improvement Plan Staff, APHIS-VS, 1498 Klondike Road, Suite 101, Conyers, GA 30094, Phone: (770)922-3496, FAX: (770)922-3498. Andrew R. Rhorer, Director, Dr. Charles Steve Roney, Veterinary Director, Marlene Busick, Veterinary Program Specialist, Penny Kesler, Veterinary Program Specialist, Harold Parks,Veterinary Program Assistant.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Be Sure To Purchase Your Quail From a Reputable Breeder.

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Wed, 07 May 2008 00:08:00 +0000

When raising quail be sure to know the reputation of the breeder you are purchasing from. I received an email from a nice gentleman who had just purchased 50 bobwhite quail. He was losing 3 quail per day. These quail were just over a year old and he had great hopes of building his flock from these quail.

He asked me if I could help him figure out why they were dying. He only had the quail for about 2 weeks. The first thing that came to mind was he had purchased diseased quail. I did however want to know the type of environment that he had setup for his quail. After finding out exactly what type of setup he had and how he was raising the quail. I found nothing that I thought was wrong, of course with quail you never know. I advised the gentleman to send some of the dead quail to a lab. This is the only true way to find out exactly why your quail are dying.

He then started to do a little research on his own and retraced his steps. When doing so, he found that the person he purchased from was losing quail at the same rate and so were the other people that purchased from this flock.

This is why it is extremely important to know the reputation of the breeder you are purchasing from. Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for papers on the quail. A good breeder keeps records. Always try to buy your quail from a NPIP certified breeder.

Yes there is a lot of knowledge needed when raising quail and keeping them healthy and alive. But you need good healthy quail from a strong bloodline to even begin. So whether it be eggs, chicks or adult quail you are purchasing. Don't just buy because it is a good price, know the reputation of the breeder you are purchasing from. Remember you want to be raising quail, not burying or burning them.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
Copyright © Gary Ortlieb
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Overcrowding Kills, when Raising Quail.

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Ortlieb) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:58:00 +0000

Overcrowding can result in death, when you raise quail. Remember that quail are wild by nature, even if you incubated and hatched the eggs yourself, this fact cannot be changed.

You will never be able to give your quail the amount of space they would have in the wild but you need to provide enough room to make them comfortable. This can create higher costs for you up front, but will help create better results in your quail raising venture in the end.

What amount of space is required for raising quail? This is what I consider a good starting point. Allow 1 square foot for 3 chicks until they reach 1 week of age. After your quail are one week of age, then give each quail 1 square foot.

Overcrowding can cause many different problems when raising quail. Your management of this situation will help in avoiding many of these problems and help keep your quail alive.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
Copyright © Gary Ortlieb
-----------------------------------------------------------------