if it is disease killing quail??

anyone know if pen raised quail are dieing with wild quail in the same areas

Good question but I don't have an answer.

There is some evidence to suggest that the pen raised birds are carriers of the diseases. Thus spreading it to the wild birds. Be very careful where you buy pen raised birds.

I raise quail (should have about 7000 birds this year) and have wondered about this myself. I do know that pen raised birds catch and spread disease very easy. I also know that pen raised birds will join up with wild birds. I have actually herd of guides throwing out pen raised birds when their clients flush a wild covey. We raise all of our birds on wire. Birds raised on wire are much less susceptible to disease. If you are going to release pen raised birds it's a good idea to make sure you are purchasing healthy birds. Check the breast of the birds. A pen raised bird should have a fat plump breast. Check their nostrils. Clogged and pecked nostrils is another sign of disease. Check out this article. It explains what to look for.
http://www.caes.uga.edu/Publications/pubDetail.cfm?pk_id=6307
We will have birds ready in mid September for $3.75 a piece.