The Oregon State Department of Agriculture has reported new cases of equine pigeon fever in two counties. In Deschutes County, one horse has tested positive, another is suspected to be positive, and 10 horses have been exposed. In Jackson County, one horse has tested positive, and one horse has been exposed.
EDCC Health Watch is a marketing program by Equine Network that uses information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and share verified equine disease reports. The EDCC is a nonprofit organization supported by industry donations to provide open access to infectious disease information.
About Pigeon Fever
Pigeon fever is a bacterial infection that affects cattle and horses, causing large abscesses, usually on the chest and under the belly. Horses get infected when bacteria enters through broken skin, like small scrapes or wounds. The peak season for infection is late summer through fall.
Maintaining good horse health safety practices is crucial in limiting the spread of pigeon fever. These practices include:
- Fly control;
- Not 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.