Potential Role of Migratory Quail in Spreading of Some Zoonotic Pathogens in Egypt

This study aimed to illustrate the potential role of wild migratory quails in the epidemiology of some zoonotic pathogens in Egypt. Ninety four apparently healthy migratory quails were collected from public markets after being trapped during hunting season from the North Sinai. Oral, cloaca and organs (liver, lung and heart) swabs were collected for bacteriological and viral examination. Bacteriological examination revealed high percentage of lactose fermenter bacteria (48.9%) including E. coli spp. (37.2%) and Salmonella spp. (24.4%). Three out of 12 (25%) of Salmonella spp. Isolates were S. enterica subspecies typhimurium. Other bacteria isolation rate was differed such as Staphylococcusaureus spp. (19.1%), Proteus spp. (7.4%), Listeria spp. (4.2%) and Klepsila spp. (3.1%). E. coli spp. and Salmonella spp. isolates were further examined by API20and PCR techniques. Antibiogram testing against 32 E. coli spp. and 12 Salmonella spp. isolates, revealed multi-drug resistance pattern and high sensitivity to enrofloxacin, nitrofuranation and ofloxacine. Parasitological examination revealed that 35 (37.2%) quails were infected with chewing lice (Phithiraptera spp.). Intestinal infection with Heterakis spp. and/or Ascarida spp. Was detected in 27 (28.7%) quails. All quails were negative for avian influenza virus by direct detection by Rt-PCR for oral and cloaca swabs followed by inoculation in embryonated chicken eggs. In conclusion, the migratory quails might play a potential role in dispersion of zoonosis in Egypt.