Hunters Develop Drug to Save Quail from Deadly Parasites

The decline of the northern bobwhite quail population in Texas, particularly in the Rolling Plains region, has been a cause for concern among wildlife conservationists and hunters alike. Habitat loss, fragmentation, and parasitic worms have all contributed to the struggles faced by these once-abundant game birds. However, a groundbreaking solution has emerged in the form of an FDA-approved medicated feed that targets and eradicates parasitic worms in wild quails.

The collaborative effort between a Texas Tech professor, Ronald Kendall, and the Park Cities Quail Coalition, a Dallas-based organization of hunters, has led to the development of this innovative medicated feed. The project was initiated after a particularly poor hunting season in 2010, prompting hunters to investigate the mysterious decline in quail populations. With $7 million in funding, research was conducted to identify the root cause of the quail population decline in the Rolling Plains.

Professor Kendall’s research revealed that up to 98 percent of wild quails in the region were infected with parasitic worms, which could potentially impact their digestion and vision, making it harder for them to survive. This discovery paved the way for the development of a medicinal feed using Fenbendazole, a drug commonly used to treat parasites in livestock and poultry. However, obtaining FDA approval for the treatment and devising a method for wild quails to consume the medicated feed presented significant challenges.

Ron Kendall Jr., the professor’s son, took on the task of designing a feeder that would effectively deliver the medicated feed to wild quails while protecting them from predators. After several iterations, a unique feeder design resembling a pyramid with mesh openings proved successful in ensuring quails could access the medication safely. Initial tests on a ranch in Mitchell County demonstrated promising results, with all quails that consumed the medicated feed showing a significant reduction in parasites.

Subsequent studies, conducted at the FDA’s request, confirmed the efficacy of the medicated feed in maintaining healthy quail populations on ranches where it was used. The feed, now known as QuailGuard, is being manufactured in Aledo and is set to be available to ranchers by the fall. The majority ownership of the company producing QuailGuard lies with the Park Cities Quail Coalition, with profits earmarked for further quail research and habitat conservation efforts.

The success of the medicated feed is evident on ranches like Crafton’s near Aspermont, where quail populations have rebounded significantly. While neighboring ranches struggled to find enough birds for hunting, Crafton’s ranch boasted fifteen coveys a day, showcasing the positive impact of this innovative solution on quail populations in the Rolling Plains region.

In conclusion, the collaboration between a dedicated Texas Tech professor, a group of passionate hunters, and the development of an FDA-approved medicated feed has offered a ray of hope for the struggling bobwhite quail population in Texas. By addressing the threat of parasitic worms, this groundbreaking solution has the potential to revitalize quail populations and ensure the conservation of this iconic game bird for future generations.