Ulcerative Enteritis (Quail Disease)
Ulcerative Enteritis (UE), also known as Quail Disease, is a highly contagious bacterial infection affecting various poultry species, primarily game birds like quail, but also including chickens, turkeys, and other domestic fowl. The disease can be acute or chronic, causing significant mortality in young birds and pullets.
Causes of Ulcerative Enteritis
- Overgrowth of Clostridium colinum in the intestine.
- Bacterial toxins damage the intestinal lining, leading to ulceration.
- Spreads through droppings from infected or carrier birds.
Clinical Signs of Ulcerative Enteritis
- Acute form: Sudden death in seemingly healthy birds.
- Chronic form:
- Listlessness and lethargy.
- Ruffled feathers.
- Whitish watery diarrhea.
- Humped-up posture.
- Extreme emaciation before death.
Note: Diarrhea may be confused with coccidiosis, but droppings with ulcerative enteritis lack blood.
Diagnosis of Ulcerative Enteritis
- Characteristic postmortem lesions: button-like ulcers in the intestine, often perforated.
- Professional confirmation recommended before treatment due to potential for misdiagnosis with coccidiosis.
Treatment of Ulcerative Enteritis
- Antibiotics:
- Bacitracin in feed (up to 200 grams per ton) or water (one teaspoon per gallon).
- Penicillin if bacitracin is ineffective.
- Both methods typically control the disease within two weeks, unless resistant strains are present.
Prevention of Ulcerative Enteritis
- Raising birds on wire: Most effective preventative measure.
- Feed medication: Low-level doses of bacitracin or penicillin in feed for operations where wire flooring is impractical.
- Very resistant to disinfectants and persistent under various environmental conditions.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment of poultry diseases.
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