Unusual coliranuloma in very young Japanese quail chick

A commercial Japanese Quail farmer reported death from 8 to 30% in three different flocks of 3 days old age, 3 weeks old age and 4 weeks old age of total flock size 18800. Investigation was under taken to find out the cause of death. Post mortem examination followed by bacteriological, virological and histopathological examinations revealed spontaneous colibacillosis. E. coli serotypes O24, O6 and O128 were isolated in pure culture. Isolates were strong congo red binder and sensitive to enterofloxain, gentamicin and chloramphenicol. Pathological lesions also correlated well with the infection of E. coli. Involvement of potentially zoonotic, E. coli serotype O6 in causing coligranuloma and death in 3 days old Japanese quail establishes its virulence character in Japanese quails. Strict biosecurity measures were advised to prevent transmission of public health importance E. coli serotype O6 from infected Japanese quails to humans.