The State Department of Agriculture in Umatilla County, Oregon has confirmed a case of pigeon fever in a horse, with twelve other horses being exposed to the infection. The affected horses are currently under quarantine.
EDCC Health Watch is a marketing program by Equine Network that uses information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to produce 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 impacts cattle and horses, causing large abscesses, typically on the chest and under the belly. Horses contract the infection when bacteria enters through open wounds or small scrapes. The peak season for pigeon fever infections is late summer through fall.
Implementing good horse health safety practices is crucial in controlling the spread of pigeon fever. These practices include:
- Fly control;
- Avoiding sharing water buckets or equipment; and
- Avoiding tying horses in high-traffic areas.
If a horse owner suspects their animal is affected, they should contact their veterinarian.