The Equine Disease Communication Center has received new reports of confirmed and suspected cases of pigeon fever from the Oregon Department of Agriculture. In Crook County, one horse has tested positive for the infection, and two others have been exposed. In Deschutes County, one horse has tested positive, two horses are suspected to be positive, and 19 horses have been exposed.
EDCC Health Watch is a marketing program by Equine Network that uses information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to generate and share verified equine disease reports. The EDCC is a nonprofit organization supported by industry donations to provide accessible infectious disease information.
About Pigeon Fever
Pigeon fever is a bacterial infection that affects cattle and horses, causing large abscesses, typically on the chest and under the belly. Horses contract the infection through broken skin, like minor cuts or wounds, with peak season being late summer to fall.
Maintaining good horse health safety practices is crucial in preventing the spread of pigeon fever. These practices include:
- Implementing fly control measures;
- Avoiding sharing water buckets or equipment; and
- Not tying horses in busy areas.
If a horse owner suspects their animal may have pigeon fever, they should contact a veterinarian immediately.