There are very few literature citations of toxicologic diseases of gamebirds (pheasants, quail, partridges). Only lead and selenium have been cited as naturally occurring in quail and pheasants respectively [1, 2]. After reviewing those reports, the remainder of this chapter will be focused on toxicants to which gamebirds might be exposed.

14.1 Lead

Lead toxicosis has historically been a problem with the poisoning of waterfowl, which prompted the change from the use of lead shot for hunting to that of steel and other compounds used for shot [3].

The typical gross findings of lead poisoning are those of cachexia, anemia, paresis, paralysis, proventricular impaction, and ventricular erosion with a bile‐stained lining. While relatively common in waterfowl, lead toxicosis is rare in upland gamebirds. In quail, inability to fly and paralysis have been reported with lead toxicosis. The lesions found grossly in quail were emaciation, impacted proventriculus, and lesions affecting the ventriculus (gizzard). The ventriculus lining was stained green/brown, had two partially dissolved pellets, and had many erosions.

Diagnosis of lead toxicosis is based on clinical signs, both gross and microscopic lesions, lead shot in the ventriculus as well as finding a toxic lead level in blood and/or liver [1]. Prevention is accomplished by excluding gamebirds from soils heavily contaminated with lead shot. These areas are where there has been heavy hunting pressure using lead shot.

14.2 Selenium

Selenium toxicosis has occurred naturally in ducks and other waterbirds eating plants in areas with high soil selenium levels due to human activity [4]. In pheasants, and possibly in other gamebirds, selenium toxicosis has occurred due to a feed mixing error. Clinical manifestations were those of decreased egg production, increased mortality, and aggressive behavior [2]. Gross lesions were those of accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac and a friable, normal size and color liver. Histologically, lesions were those of a degenerative cardiomyopathy and liver lesions associated with heart failure.

Diagnosis is made by selenium analysis of suspect feed, liver, and kidney of affected birds with comparison to normal selenium levels of unaffected animals.

14.3 Other Toxicants

The following toxicants are those to which gamebirds may be exposed but as yet have not been reported in the current literature.

Sulfonamides are a class of antibiotics that have caused toxicity in avian species. Sulfaquinoxaline, sulfadimethoxine, and sulfamethazine are the specific sulfonamides used most commonly. Sulfonamides are used to treat many bacterial infections. The toxic level for these antibiotics is close to the therapeutic level. Published manuscripts on sulfonamide toxicity in poultry are rare. A 20‐week‐old leghorn flock of pullets experienced toxicosis with sulfaquinoxaline when it was administered through feed [5]. A large mortality had occurred and lesions were those of hemorrhage and bone marrow pallor. Experiments were then performed to duplicate the clinical case. Lesions in the experiment paralleled those of the clinical case. Levels of sulfaquinoxaline in the liver and kidneys were 1.6 ppm for the experimental toxicosis. Diagnosis of sulfonamide toxicity is made by a history of treatment with this antibiotic, gross and microscopic lesions as well as sulfonamide levels within the liver and kidneys.

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