DISCOVERING SOLUTIONS FOR THREATS AGAINST
THE BOBWHITE QUAIL
Dr. Ronald J. Kendall and the Texas Tech Wildlife Toxicology Laboratory are hard at work developing solutions to some of the most significant threats against Texas’ native species.
Founded in 2012, the Wildlife Toxicology Laboratory operates within Texas Tech University’s Department of Environmental Toxicology. The lab conducts research on environmental contaminants, disease ecology, and wildlife health, helping to identify and address threats to native animal populations across Texas and beyond.
Dr. Ronald J. Kendall
The Bobwhite Quail
THE BOBWHITE QUAIL IS ONE OF THE ANIMALS MOST SYNONYMOUS WITH THE CULTURE OF WEST TEXAS. FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS, THESE BEAUTIFUL BIRDS HAVE THRIVED IN THE ROLLING PLAINS ECOREGION OF TEXAS, AN AREA KNOWN FOR ITS VAST GRASSLANDS AND RICH HUNTING TRADITIONS.
Families have bonded over quail hunting for generations. The appreciation of the bobwhite quail runs deep, but in recent years, this beloved bird has begun to face serious and continuing problems.
TROUBLING FINDINGS
In 2010, landowners noticed a 70 to 90 percent decrease in quail populations. This was an alarming trend. Even after seasons of abundant rain, favorable habitat conditions, and environmental protection measures, the bobwhite quail population continued to suffer significant reductions. As the years passed, the quail population continued to vacillate dramatically.
In 2012, Dr. Kendall and his team at the Texas Tech Wildlife Toxicology Laboratory made a landmark discovery. Through extensive fieldwork across millions of acres in the Rolling Plains, they began finding scientific evidence to support the claim that parasitic eyeworms (Oxyspirura petrowi) and cecal worms (Aulonocephalus pennula) are responsible for the decimation of the native quail population. Quickly, Dr. Kendall and his research associates began experiments on these newfound parasites in hopes of developing a treatment.
WORKING TOWARDS A SOLUTION
Encouraging findings began to emerge. These led to the development of a medicated quail feed that, when distributed to the bobwhite quail population in Texas, could effectively kill the parasite. Since 2015, the Texas Tech Wildlife Toxicology Laboratory and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have worked alongside each other in the development of a quail-specific medicated feed. Years of research, field testing, and collaboration have led to a practical, science-backed solution.
THE SOLUTION
On May 23, 2024, the FDA issued a supplemental approval for a quail-specific medicated feed. Now, QuailGuard®, is on the market and ready for use. This feed combines select grains with the active ingredients of fenbendazole to eliminate both eyeworms and cecal worms. It has been proven to enhance the overall survival rate of quail populations.
If you’re interested in helping revive the bobwhite quail population, please reach out for more information about distributing QuailGuard®. This feed, along with the specialized quail-safe feeder, can make a dramatic difference in our ecosystem.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Now Dr. Kendall and the Wildlife Toxicology Lab need your help to save the bobwhite quail. Whether it be through donations of time or money, or a commitment to distribute the medicated feed, there are many ways you can help save this incredible species of bird which is rooted in our rich history. Are you ready to get involved? Learn more about how you can help here.
