Heartworm transmission occurred through the summer months and the presumptive vector was Culicoides multidentatus. Observations on laboratory-reared California Valley quail infected while serving as sentinels indicated a prepatent period of several months and a patent period lasting 18–21 months. Examination of 111 wild quail revealed Splendidofilaria californiensis in 76% of adults and in 44% of juveniles. Mature parasites were encapsulated in the wall of the aorta near its origin, resulting in partial occlusion of its lumen and related pathologic changes. Infections in adult birds, but not in juveniles, appeared heavier in fall than in spring and there were indications of superimposed infections in the former.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Weinmann et al. (1979) studied this question.