Species specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers were constructed against the three Eimeria species infecting Northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) including E. lettyae, E. coloni, and E. dispersa. The primers were used to determine the distribution of the three species in litter samples originating from thirty-one bobwhite captive facilities from multiple locations throughout the United States. Survey results demonstrated E. lettyae from 20 farms, E. coloni from 22 farms and E. dispersa from 29 farms.Chemotherapeutic trials in bobwhites with 13 separate anticoccidial agents currently used in the poultry industry disclosed several useful effective compounds. Efficacy was good-excellent with narasin+nicarbazin (Maxiban) , sulfadimethoxine+ormetoprin (Rofenaid), clopidol (Coyden), decoquinate (Decox), diclazuril (1 and 2 ppm) (Clinacox), lasalocid (Avatec), robenidine (Robenz), and zoalene (150 ppm) (Zoamix). Marginal protection was found with semduramicin (Aviax), or semduramicin + roxarsone (3-Nitro). Monensin (Coban) and salinomycin (Bio-cox) were marginal in some tests, moderately good in others. Amprolium (250 ppm) roxarsone, and zoalene (125 ppm) were ineffective. To determine whether Northern bobwhites could be immunized against E. lettyae by a low dose inoculation of oocysts, we inoculated 30 birds each with either 100 or 1,000 oocysts at two days of age (given orally by pipette). Four weeks after immunization, the immunized birds and unimmunized controls were challenged with 1 X 106 E. lettyae oocysts. Effectiveness of the immunization was measured by analyzing weight gain, intestinal lesions, severity of diarrhea, feed conversion ratio, and oocysts production. After challenge, birds immunized with 100 or 1,000 oocysts gained an average of 33.3 gm and 28.9 gm, respectively; whereas unimmunized challenged birds gained an average of 11.5 gm. Immunized quail produced approximately 99.7% fewer oocysts, had minimal gross intestinal and cecal lesions, had minimal diarrhea, and had a 50% lower feed conversion ratio compared to unimmunized challenged controls. These findings indicate that vaccination is a viable option for controlling coccidiosis in quail