The Oregon State Department of Agriculture has reported cases of pigeon fever in four new horses, with three in Deschutes County and one in Morrow County. Several other horses have also been exposed to the infection, leading to the official quarantine of the affected animals.
EDCC Health Watch is a marketing program by Equine Network that utilizes data from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to generate and distribute verified equine disease updates. The EDCC is a nonprofit organization that relies on industry contributions to offer accessible infectious disease information.
About Pigeon Fever
Pigeon fever is a bacterial infection that affects cattle and horses, causing large abscesses typically found on the chest and under the belly. The infection occurs when bacteria enters through open wounds or cuts on the animal’s skin, with the peak season for infections being late summer through fall.
Implementing good horse health safety measures is crucial in containing the spread of pigeon fever. These practices include:
- Effective fly control;
- Avoiding sharing water buckets or equipment; and
- Avoiding tying horses in busy areas.
If a horse owner suspects that their animal may be infected, it is important to contact a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.