The Oregon State Department of Agriculture has identified four new suspected cases of pigeon fever, with three in Deschutes County and one in Crook County. Multiple horses have also been exposed to the infection.
EDCC Health Watch is a marketing program by Equine Network that uses information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to produce and distribute 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 impacts cattle and horses, leading to the formation of large abscesses, typically on the chest and underbelly. Horses contract the infection when bacteria enters through wounds or cuts in the skin, with the peak season for infection occurring in late summer and fall.
Implementing good horse health safety measures is crucial in preventing the spread of pigeon fever. These measures include:
- Fly control;
- Avoiding sharing water buckets or equipment; and
- Not tying horses in busy areas.
Owners who suspect that their horse may be affected should promptly contact their veterinarian.