Drought Blamed for Spike in Pigeon Fever Cases

Some veterinarians say they saw many cases in drought-plagued 2011 as they would see in five years.
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Agricultural authorities in some states are blaming persistent drought conditions for an increase in cases of pigeon fever in horses.

Pigeon fever, also known as drought distemper, is an infection caused in horses by the Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis bacterium. The condition produces mild fever and pectoral abscesses that give an appearance similar to a pigeon’s protruding breast. The abscesses can also appear along the horse’s belly, on lower neck region, on limbs, or on the face. Less commonly, the condition can produce deep abscesses in a horse’s lungs, kidneys, or liver. Pigeon fever is spread via insects and horse-to-horse contact, and horses can also contract the disease when bacteria from contaminated soil enters their bodies through cuts, scrapes or mucous membranes.

Mark Russell, MS, PhD, equine specialist at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service said that pigeon fever outbreaks are uncommon in Arkansas. However in January some cases were reported in drought-affected areas including Western and North Central Arkansas, he said.

Similarly, other drought-plagued states are also reporting pigeon fever outbreaks. In December 2011 the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry reported 30 cases connected to the drought. Oklahoma Assistant State Veterinarian and Equine Programming Coordinator Michael Herrin, DVM, said that veterinarians have reported treating increased numbers of pigeon fever cases in that state as well

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Written by:

Pat Raia is a veteran journalist who enjoys covering equine welfare, industry, and news. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her Tennessee Walking Horse, Sonny.

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