Prevalence of enteric and blood parasitic infections in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) and their potential zoonotic risk

Research article | https://doi.org/10.47262/BL/11.2.20250425

Prevalence of enteric and blood parasitic infections in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) and their potential zoonotic risk

Aiman Saeed 1, Zia Ur Rehman 2, Ayesha Mushtaq 1, Areeba Fatima 1, Muhammad Rafiq 1, Mushtaq Hussain Lashari 1, Khawar Ali Shahzad 1*

1 Department of Zoology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan

2 Department of Physiology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan

Abstract

Japanese quail farming is gaining recognition as a sustainable substitute for chicken production because of its high productivity, dietary benefits, and capacity to satisfy protein needs. However, quails are vulnerable to a number of parasitic, bacterial, fungal, and viral illnesses, such as coccidiosis and Ascarididae infestations, which can have a serious negative effect on their well-being and production. The purpose of this study is to present firsthand information regarding the frequency of blood and intestinal parasites in Japanese quails in the Bahawalpur district. 30 Japanese quails were collected from different fields in order to examine parasites. While intestinal samples were subjected to microscopic examination for enteric parasites and gross pathology, blood samples were obtained after slaughter for smear analysis. With 14 quails infected, the overall parasitemia rate was 46.66%. The pathological examination of Japanese quails revealed intestinal abnormalities, including hemorrhagic material, mucus accumulation, and gas distension. Eimeria species and roundworms (Ascaridia galli) were found to be a mixed infection (36.66%) and Aegyptianella spp. (10%) as a single blood protozoan infection, Eimeria species were recognized under a microscope, while roundworms were found by intestinal scraping. Due to co-breeding, environmental exposure, and inadequate management techniques, this study found that Japanese quails had a significant prevalence of blood and gastrointestinal parasites, which resulted in financial losses in quail husbandry. Furthermore, zoonotic dangers underscore the necessity of improved disease control strategies, and additional study is necessary to evaluate the severity of parasitemia and its related health effects.