The State Department of Agriculture in Harney County, Oregon, has reported a suspected case of pigeon fever in one horse, with five additional horses being exposed. The suspected case is currently under voluntary quarantine.
EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that uses information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to generate and distribute verified equine disease reports. The EDCC is a 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, causing large abscesses, typically on the chest and under the belly. Horses can get infected through broken skin, like small cuts or wounds, with the peak season for infection being late summer to fall.
Preventative measures such as fly control, not sharing water buckets or equipment, and avoiding tying horses in busy areas are essential to limit the spread of pigeon fever. If a horse owner suspects their animal is affected, they should contact a veterinarian immediately.