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Ulceritis (ulcerative enteritis) of quail
Ulceritis, also called ulcerative enteritis or "nine-day sickness", is a serious bacterial infection that affects the intestines of young quails. It is caused by a bacteria of the genus Clostridium (Clostridium colinum). This disease causes...
What is it?
Ulceritis, also called ulcerative enteritis or "nine-day sickness", is a serious bacterial infection that affects the intestines of young quails. It is caused by a bacteria of the genus Clostridium (Clostridium colinum). This disease causes ulcers in the intestine and liver, and can cause rapid and significant mortality in a flock, particularly in weakened or stressed young quails. It bears its historical nickname because it was first described in young American quails around nine days old, but it can occur at any age in young subjects.
Key point
Disease that can cause rapid and significant mortality in a batch of young quails if not treated in time.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
Affected quails become despondent, remain immobile, their feathers ruffled, and refuse to feed.\n\nWatery diarrhea, sometimes whitish or with very dark, almost black stools, is common.\n\nBirds lose weight quickly and become dehydrated. In acute forms, we can find dead quails without any warning signs, in apparently good body condition.\n\nIn farms, the progression is often very rapid, with mortality which can increase in a few days if nothing is done.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
The disease is due to a bacterium, Clostridium colinum, which multiplies in the intestine and causes ulcerative lesions of the intestinal wall, the liver and sometimes the spleen.\n\nThis bacteria forms very resistant spores in the environment (litter, soil, equipment), which allows it to persist for a long time in a farm even after superficial cleaning.\n\nContamination most often occurs through the digestive tract, via litter, water or food contaminated by bird droppings.
Young quails, particularly around weaning, are the most sensitive.\n\nStress plays an important triggering role: change of feed, transport, high stocking density, temperature variations, or simultaneous presence of other diseases such as coccidiosis.\n\nDamp, dirty or poorly renewed litter favors the survival of the bacteria and increases the risk of infection.\n\nFarms with insufficient hygiene or incomplete disinfection between flocks are particularly exposed.
Transmission
Transmission occurs mainly by the fecal-oral route: quails become infected by ingesting food, water or litter contaminated by spores of the bacteria present in the droppings of sick or carrier birds.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The veterinarian suspects the disease due to sudden mortality in young quails with suggestive clinical signs.\n\nThe definitive diagnosis requires an autopsy highlighting the characteristic ulcers on the intestine and liver, supplemented if necessary by a bacteriological laboratory analysis to identify the bacteria in question.
Treatment
Treatment is based on the administration of appropriate antibiotics, prescribed and dosed only by a veterinarian, associated with support measures such as rehydration.\n\nComplete sanitation of the environment (litter, equipment, premises) is essential alongside treatment to avoid relapses and the persistence of the bacteria in the livestock.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Prevention is based above all on rigorous hygiene: complete cleaning and disinfection of premises between each flock, clean and dry litter, regular renewal of water and food.\n\nReducing stress factors (reasonable density, gradual food transitions, stable temperature) helps limit episodes.\n\nManagement of other digestive diseases, notably coccidiosis, is essential because it often promotes the appearance of ulceritis by weakening the mucosa intestinal.\n\nThere is no vaccine available against this disease.
Possible complications
Without rapid treatment, mortality can be high in the affected batch.\n\nSurvivors may present lasting growth retardation linked to intestinal lesions.\n\nThe persistence of the bacteria in the form of spores in the environment exposes it to recurrences during subsequent strips if disinfection is not complete.
When to see a veterinarian
Sudden or unexplained mortality in young quails.\nPersistent diarrhea associated with marked depression.\nSeveral birds from the same flock showing the same signs in a few days.\nLoss of appetite and rapid weight loss in quails.
Prognosis
The prognosis depends on the speed of treatment. Treated early with appropriate antibiotics and environmental sanitation, the outcome can be favorable. Without intervention, mortality can be very high in the affected group, particularly in young subjects.
Frequently asked questions
Does ulceritis only affect young quails?
It is mainly observed in young people, particularly around weaning, but cases can occur at other ages in the event of significant stress or associated illness.
Can ulceritis be treated without a veterinarian?
No. Only a veterinarian can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe appropriate antibiotic treatment. Improper self-medication can aggravate the situation and promote bacterial resistance.
How can I prevent the disease from returning to my farm?
Rigorous cleaning and disinfection of premises and equipment between each flock, clean litter, and reducing bird stress are the best prevention measures.
Is this disease transmissible to humans?
No, quail ulceritis is not considered a disease transmissible to humans.
References
AVMA — American Veterinary Medical Association
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 11 August 2026
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