Gamebirds

Question 1

What are the two main types of gamebirds focused on from hatch to 12 weeks of age?

Answer 1

Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) and partridges (Alectoris rufa)

Gamebirds also include ducks and grouse, but the focus here is on pheasants and partridges.

Question 2

From a legislative perspective, how are gamebirds classified?

Answer 2

As poultry

Question 3

How are gamebirds classified when they are being reared and when they are released?

Answer 3

Farming when reared; wild when released

Question 4

Approximately how many gamebirds were reared in the UK in 2019?

Answer 4

~40 million

Question 5

What percentage of gamebirds reared in the UK in 2019 were pheasants?

Answer 5

80%

Question 6

What percentage of gamebirds reared in the UK in 2019 were red-legged partridges?

Answer 6

15%

Question 7

What is a common source for gamebird chicks in the UK?

Answer 7

40% originated from France

Question 8

What is a significant concern regarding biosecurity in gamebird hatcheries?

Answer 8

Lower biosecurity and hygiene standards than commercial poultry hatcheries

Question 9

What is a potential consequence of substandard egg washing in gamebird hatcheries?

Answer 9

Spread of disease

Question 10

At what age are young birds, referred to as poults, transferred to release pens?

Answer 10

~6 to 7 weeks

Question 11

What is the term for infection that can occur in yolk sacs of chicks 3-5 days of age?

Answer 11

Yolk sac infection

Question 12

What are the signs of yolk sac infection?

Answer 12

Malodourous, omphalitis, dehydration, emaciation, large discoloured yolk sac, mortality

Question 13

What is the causative agent of viral enteritis/rotavirus in gamebirds?

Answer 13

Rotavirus

Question 14

What is the typical mortality rate associated with viral enteritis/rotavirus?

Answer 14

Up to 70%

Question 15

What is a key characteristic of Salmonellosis transmission in gamebirds?

Answer 15

Vertical transmission through the hatchery

Question 16

What is the most likely isolate of Salmonella found in gamebirds?

Answer 16

Salmonella Typhimurium

Question 17

What is the primary pathogen associated with infectious sinusitis in gamebirds?

Answer 17

Mycoplasma gallisepticum

Question 18

What is the primary mode of diagnosis for Spironucleosis and trichomoniasis?

Answer 18

PM exam followed by microscopy of intestinal scrapes

Question 19

What species of Eimeria is most important in pheasants?

Answer 19

Eimeria colchici

Question 20

What is the causative organism of Histomoniasis (blackhead)?

Answer 20

Histomonas meleagridis

Question 21

What is a characteristic finding in post-mortem exams of birds with Histomoniasis?

Answer 21

Multiple necrotizing lesions in the liver

Question 22

What type of enteritis is caused by Clostridium colinum in partridges?

Answer 22

Ulcerative enteritis

Question 23

What is a common respiratory disease seen in gamebirds during late summer/early autumn?

Answer 23

Infectious sinusitis

Question 24

What are the key investigation tools used in the gamebird industry?

Answer 24

• Site visits
• Post-mortem examinations
• Further testing (PCR, serology, histopathology, virus isolation, bacteriology)
• Further reading/contacting an expert

Question 25

What is the only licensed antibiotic for gamebirds?

Answer 25

Tylvalosin

Question 26

What is the minimum meat withdrawal period for off-license veterinary medicine used in gamebirds?

Answer 26

28 days

Question 27

True or False: Vaccination is very prevalent in the gamebird sector.

Answer 27

False

Question 28

What type of vaccines are used in breeder stock to provide maternal derived antibodies (MDAs) to progeny?

Answer 28

Newcastle Disease vaccines

Question 29

What is the preferred licensed product for treating coccidiosis in gamebirds?

Answer 29

Toltrazuril (Baycox)

Question 30

Fill in the blank: The heterakis intermediate host of blackhead can be treated with _______.

Answer 30

Flubendazole (Flubenvet)