According to the State Department of Agriculture, a single horse in Deschutes County, Oregon, has been confirmed to have pigeon fever, with five other horses suspected of being positive. Additionally, 44 horses have been exposed to the infection, and all affected horses are currently under quarantine.
EDCC Health Watch is a marketing program by Equine Network that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and distribute verified equine disease reports. The EDCC is an independent nonprofit organization that relies on industry donations to provide accessible infectious disease information.
About Pigeon Fever
Pigeon fever is a bacterial infection that affects cattle and horses, leading to the formation of large abscesses, typically on the chest and under the belly. Horses contract the infection when bacteria enters through open wounds or scrapes. The peak season for pigeon fever infections is late summer through fall.
Implementing good horse health safety practices is crucial in preventing the spread of pigeon fever. These practices include:
- Effective fly control;
- Avoiding the sharing of water buckets or equipment; and
- Avoiding tying horses in high-traffic areas.
If a horse owner suspects their animal may be affected by pigeon fever, they should promptly contact their veterinarian.