Pigeon fever: Difference between revisions
m ce using AWB |
m Open access bot: doi updated in citation with #oabot. |
||
| (14 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{short description|Bacterial disease of horses}} |
|||
{{citation style|date=December 2012}} |
|||
'''Pigeon fever''' is a disease of horses, also known as '''dryland distemper''' or '''equine distemper''', caused by the Gram-positive bacteria ''[[Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis]]'' biovar ''equi''.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Baraúna|first1=RA|last2=Ramos|first2=RT|last3=Veras|first3=AA|last4=Pinheiro|first4=KC|last5=Benevides|first5=LJ|last6=Viana|first6=MV|last7=Guimarães|first7=LC|last8=Edman|first8=JM|last9=Spier|first9=SJ|last10=Azevedo|first10=V|last11=Silva|first11=A|title=Assessing the genotypic differences between strains of ''Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis'' biovar ''equi'' through comparative genomics|journal=PLOS ONE|date=26 January 2017|volume=12|issue=1|pages=e0170676|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0170676|pmid=28125655|pmc=5268413|bibcode=2017PLoSO..1270676B|doi-access=free}}</ref> Infected horses commonly have swelling in the chest area, making it look similar to a "pigeon chest". This disease is common in dry areas. Pigeon fever is sometimes confused with [[strangles]], another infection that causes abscesses. |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
'''Pigeon Fever''' (also: Dry Land Distemper in Horses or Equine Distemper) is a disease that causes abscesses in horses, sheep and cattle. Pigeon Fever is not [[zoonotic]], meaning it is not transmitted to human from animal. An example of a zoonotic disease would be [[Rabies]]. |
|||
Three common forms of pigeon fever affect horses – ulcerative lymphangitis, external abscess, and internal infection. The severity of symptoms varies depending on various factors such as age, immune system health, and nutrition. The bacteria have an incubation period of 3–4 weeks.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh/local_resources/pdfs/HorseReport-Winter2014.pdf|title=Pigeon Fever: Varying forms of infection in horses|last=University of California – Centre for Equine Health|date=2014|website=|publisher=|access-date=December 4, 2016}}</ref> |
|||
=== Ulcerative lymphangitis === |
|||
Pigeon Fever is sometimes confused for [[Strangles]], another infection that causes abscesses. Pigeon Fever is a bacterium that lives in the ground and transmitted to horses via the air, direct contact or cuts and or open abrasions. The name Pigeon Fever comes from the symptoms of the disease. Commonly the horse will get swelling in the chest area, puffed out chest like a pigeon, and it causes fever and sweats. Some think it is caused or carried by pigeons; that is a misunderstanding, and pigeons have nothing to do with the disease. Flies are believed to be the main carries that spread the infection, which is why quarantine of infected animals is ineffective. "This bacterial infection is caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and characterized by deep intramuscular (and sometimes internal) abscesses in horses."<ref name=QHPigeon>{{cite web|url=http://quarterhorsenews.com/index.php/news/other-news/8847-what-is-pigeon-fever-in-horses.html |title=What is Pigeon Fever in Horses? - Quarter Horse News|publisher=Quarter Horse News |date= |accessdate=2013-02-10}}</ref> The reason it is called Dry Land Distemper is it is common in dry areas like California, Arizona, New Mexico and other areas.<ref name=QHPigeon/> |
|||
Ulcerative lymphangitis is the least common form of pigeon fever seen in horses. It is characterized by severe limb swelling and cellulitis in one or both hind limbs, and can lead to lameness, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatments are required to prevent further complications, such as limb edema, prolonged or recurrent infection, lameness, weakness, and weight loss.<ref name=":0" /> |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
When a horse is infected the symptoms vary from mild and unnoticeable to extreme. Symptoms can be fever, loss of weight, lameness and change in demeanor(lethargic or less active). Severity of symptoms can be different for each horse depending on various factors such as age, immune system, health and nutrition. The healthier the horse the more the immune system will suppress or minimize the symptoms. A weak, old or compromised immune system will allow the infection to grow faster and stronger. Abscesses form internally, where it grows and pressure builds up. Eventually the abscess will come to a head, pop and allow drainage. The abscesses normally are in the chest or lower body area, however, they can be internal or on the upper body area. Sweats, fever, stiffness and sensitivity around abscesses will normally be present. |
|||
=== External abscess === |
|||
External abscesses are the most common form in horses. Abscesses develop on the body, usually in the pectoral region and along the ventral midline of the abdomen. Abscesses can also develop on other areas of the body, such as the prepuce, mammary gland, triceps, limbs, and head. The fatality rate for this form infection is very low. The abscess is often drained once it has matured.<ref name=":0" /> |
|||
=== Internal infection === |
|||
Only 8% of infected horses have this form of pigeon fever, but it has a 30–40% fatality rate. Organs that are commonly affected are the liver, spleen, and lungs. For a successful recovery, long-term antimicrobial therapy is essential.<ref name=":1" /> |
|||
==Treatment== |
==Treatment== |
||
Treatment |
Treatment depends on many factors, such as the age of horse, severity of symptoms, and duration of infection. As long a horse is eating and drinking, the infection must run its course, much like a common cold virus. Over time, a horse builds up enough antibodies to overtake and fight the disease. Other treatment options can be applying heat packs to abscesses to help draw infectin to the surface and using drawing salves such as [[Ichthammol]]. A blood test or bacterial cultures can be taken to confirm the horse is fighting pigeon fever.<ref name=":0" /> Anti-inflammatory drugs such as [[phenylbutazone]] can be used to ease pain and help control swelling. Treating pigeon fever with antibiotics is not normally recommended for external abscesses, since it is a strong bacterium that takes extended treatment to kill off and to ensure it does not return stronger. However, if the abscesses are internal, then antibiotics may be needed.<ref>[http://quarterhorsenews.com/index.php/news/other-news/8847-what-is-pigeon-fever-in-horses.html Sharon J. Spier]</ref> Consulting a veterinarian for treatment is recommended. Making the horse comfortable, ensuring the horse has good food supply and quality hay helps the horse keep its immune system strong to fight off the infection. Once the abscess breaks or pops, it may drain for a week or two. During this time keeping the area clean, applying hot packs or drawing salves will help remove the pus that has gathered in the abscess. |
||
==Transmission== |
|||
This bacterium is present in soil and is transmitted to horses through open wounds, abrasions, or mucous membranes.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.aaep.org/custdocs/PigeonFeverGuidelines52713.pdf|title=Pigeon Fever|last=American Association of Equine Practitioners|date=2013|website=|publisher=|access-date=December 4, 2016}}</ref> |
|||
==Prevention== |
==Prevention== |
||
Reducing environmental contamination is necessary to prevent the spread of insects or fomites. Owners should regularly apply insect repellent and routinely check their horses for open wounds to reduce the chance of infection.<ref name=":0" /> A regular manure-management program is recommended, including removal of soiled feed and bedding, as the bacteria can survive in hay and shavings for up to 2 months.<ref name=":0" /> Since the disease lives in the ground and is spread by flies, pest control is a good defense, but not a guarantee. Horses being introduced to new environments should be quarantined and any infected horses should be isolated to prevent spread of the bacteria.<ref name=":1" /> Currently, no vaccination for pigeon fever has been developed.<ref name=":1" /> |
|||
Since the disease lives in the ground and is spread by flies, pest control is a good defense but not a guarantee. Locking horses up or isolating horses is not recommended since this causes more stress to the horse and weakens their immune system. Exercise, good food, clean water and fly control will help minimize the spread of this disease. |
|||
== |
== Epidemiology == |
||
The disease can occur in horses of any age, breed, or gender.<ref name="Boysen 2015">{{cite journal|last1=Boysen|first1=C|last2=Davis|first2=EG|last3=Beard|first3=LA|last4=Lubbers|first4=BV|last5=Raghavan|first5=RK|title=Bayesian geostatistical analysis and ecoclimatic determinants of ''Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis'' infection among horses|journal=PLOS ONE|date=16 October 2015|volume=10|issue=10|pages=e0140666|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0140666|pmid=26473728|pmc=4608828|bibcode=2015PLoSO..1040666B|doi-access=free}}</ref> In the US, it occurs throughout the country and at any time of year.<ref name="Kilcoyne 2014">{{cite journal|last1=Kilcoyne|first1=I|last2=Spier|first2=SJ|last3=Carter|first3=CN|last4=Smith|first4=JL|last5=Swinford|first5=AK|last6=Cohen|first6=ND|title=Frequency of ''Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis'' infection in horses across the United States during a 10-year period.|journal=Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association|date=1 August 2014|volume=245|issue=3|pages=309–14|doi=10.2460/javma.245.3.309|pmid=25029310|doi-access=free}}</ref> The disease was traditionally thought to occur mainly in dry, arid regions,<ref name="Boysen 2015" /> but from at least 2005, its range has been increasing into areas where it was not previously seen, such as the Midwestern US,<ref name="Barba 2015">{{cite journal|last1=Barba|first1=M|last2=Stewart|first2=AJ|last3=Passler|first3=T|last4=Wooldridge|first4=AA|last5=van Santen|first5=E|last6=Chamorro|first6=MF|last7=Cattley|first7=RC|last8=Hathcock|first8=T|last9=Hogsette|first9=JA|last10=Hu|first10=XP|title=Experimental transmission of ''Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis'' biovar ''equi'' in horses by house flies.|journal=Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine|date=2015|volume=29|issue=2|pages=636–43|doi=10.1111/jvim.12545|pmid=25818218|pmc=4895518}}</ref> and Western Canada.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Corbeil|first1=LE|last2=Morrissey|first2=JF|last3=Léguillette|first3=R|title=Is ''Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis'' infection (pigeon fever) in horses an emerging disease in western Canada?|journal=The Canadian Veterinary Journal|date=October 2016|volume=57|issue=10|pages=1062–1066|pmid=27708444|pmc=5026146}}</ref> Environmental risk factors include over 7 days of a weekly average land surface temperatures above 35°C, and drier soils; these factors were implicated in an outbreak in Kansas in 2012.<ref name="Boysen 2015" /> |
|||
{{reflist}} |
|||
== References == |
== References == |
||
{{ |
{{reflist}} |
||
* Jessie Evans, DVM - American Association of Equine Practitioners 4075 Iron Works Parkway | Lexington, KY 40511 |
|||
==External links== |
|||
* College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. |
|||
* http://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/pigeon-fever-in-texas |
* http://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/pigeon-fever-in-texas |
||
* http://www.thinklikeahorse.org/index-14.html#10 |
|||
* http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/10802.htm |
* http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/10802.htm |
||
* http://oregonvma.org/care-health/pigeon-fever |
* http://oregonvma.org/care-health/pigeon-fever |
||
* http://www.equinevoices.org/horses/natural-care-corral/pigeon-fever-facts/ |
|||
{{refend}} |
|||
[[Category:Horse diseases]] |
[[Category:Horse diseases]] |
||
[[Category:Horse health]] |
|||
Latest revision as of 14:19, 8 November 2023
Pigeon fever is a disease of horses, also known as dryland distemper or equine distemper, caused by the Gram-positive bacteria Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis biovar equi.[1] Infected horses commonly have swelling in the chest area, making it look similar to a "pigeon chest". This disease is common in dry areas. Pigeon fever is sometimes confused with strangles, another infection that causes abscesses.
Symptoms
[edit]Three common forms of pigeon fever affect horses – ulcerative lymphangitis, external abscess, and internal infection. The severity of symptoms varies depending on various factors such as age, immune system health, and nutrition. The bacteria have an incubation period of 3–4 weeks.[2]
Ulcerative lymphangitis
[edit]Ulcerative lymphangitis is the least common form of pigeon fever seen in horses. It is characterized by severe limb swelling and cellulitis in one or both hind limbs, and can lead to lameness, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatments are required to prevent further complications, such as limb edema, prolonged or recurrent infection, lameness, weakness, and weight loss.[3]
External abscess
[edit]External abscesses are the most common form in horses. Abscesses develop on the body, usually in the pectoral region and along the ventral midline of the abdomen. Abscesses can also develop on other areas of the body, such as the prepuce, mammary gland, triceps, limbs, and head. The fatality rate for this form infection is very low. The abscess is often drained once it has matured.[3]
Internal infection
[edit]Only 8% of infected horses have this form of pigeon fever, but it has a 30–40% fatality rate. Organs that are commonly affected are the liver, spleen, and lungs. For a successful recovery, long-term antimicrobial therapy is essential.[2]
Treatment
[edit]Treatment depends on many factors, such as the age of horse, severity of symptoms, and duration of infection. As long a horse is eating and drinking, the infection must run its course, much like a common cold virus. Over time, a horse builds up enough antibodies to overtake and fight the disease. Other treatment options can be applying heat packs to abscesses to help draw infectin to the surface and using drawing salves such as Ichthammol. A blood test or bacterial cultures can be taken to confirm the horse is fighting pigeon fever.[3] Anti-inflammatory drugs such as phenylbutazone can be used to ease pain and help control swelling. Treating pigeon fever with antibiotics is not normally recommended for external abscesses, since it is a strong bacterium that takes extended treatment to kill off and to ensure it does not return stronger. However, if the abscesses are internal, then antibiotics may be needed.[4] Consulting a veterinarian for treatment is recommended. Making the horse comfortable, ensuring the horse has good food supply and quality hay helps the horse keep its immune system strong to fight off the infection. Once the abscess breaks or pops, it may drain for a week or two. During this time keeping the area clean, applying hot packs or drawing salves will help remove the pus that has gathered in the abscess.
Transmission
[edit]This bacterium is present in soil and is transmitted to horses through open wounds, abrasions, or mucous membranes.[3]
Prevention
[edit]Reducing environmental contamination is necessary to prevent the spread of insects or fomites. Owners should regularly apply insect repellent and routinely check their horses for open wounds to reduce the chance of infection.[3] A regular manure-management program is recommended, including removal of soiled feed and bedding, as the bacteria can survive in hay and shavings for up to 2 months.[3] Since the disease lives in the ground and is spread by flies, pest control is a good defense, but not a guarantee. Horses being introduced to new environments should be quarantined and any infected horses should be isolated to prevent spread of the bacteria.[2] Currently, no vaccination for pigeon fever has been developed.[2]
Epidemiology
[edit]The disease can occur in horses of any age, breed, or gender.[5] In the US, it occurs throughout the country and at any time of year.[6] The disease was traditionally thought to occur mainly in dry, arid regions,[5] but from at least 2005, its range has been increasing into areas where it was not previously seen, such as the Midwestern US,[7] and Western Canada.[8] Environmental risk factors include over 7 days of a weekly average land surface temperatures above 35°C, and drier soils; these factors were implicated in an outbreak in Kansas in 2012.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ Baraúna, RA; Ramos, RT; Veras, AA; Pinheiro, KC; Benevides, LJ; Viana, MV; Guimarães, LC; Edman, JM; Spier, SJ; Azevedo, V; Silva, A (26 January 2017). "Assessing the genotypic differences between strains of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis biovar equi through comparative genomics". PLOS ONE. 12 (1): e0170676. Bibcode:2017PLoSO..1270676B. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0170676. PMC 5268413. PMID 28125655.
- ^ a b c d University of California – Centre for Equine Health (2014). "Pigeon Fever: Varying forms of infection in horses" (PDF). Retrieved December 4, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f American Association of Equine Practitioners (2013). "Pigeon Fever" (PDF). Retrieved December 4, 2016.
- ^ Sharon J. Spier
- ^ a b c Boysen, C; Davis, EG; Beard, LA; Lubbers, BV; Raghavan, RK (16 October 2015). "Bayesian geostatistical analysis and ecoclimatic determinants of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection among horses". PLOS ONE. 10 (10): e0140666. Bibcode:2015PLoSO..1040666B. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0140666. PMC 4608828. PMID 26473728.
- ^ Kilcoyne, I; Spier, SJ; Carter, CN; Smith, JL; Swinford, AK; Cohen, ND (1 August 2014). "Frequency of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in horses across the United States during a 10-year period". Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 245 (3): 309–14. doi:10.2460/javma.245.3.309. PMID 25029310.
- ^ Barba, M; Stewart, AJ; Passler, T; Wooldridge, AA; van Santen, E; Chamorro, MF; Cattley, RC; Hathcock, T; Hogsette, JA; Hu, XP (2015). "Experimental transmission of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis biovar equi in horses by house flies". Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 29 (2): 636–43. doi:10.1111/jvim.12545. PMC 4895518. PMID 25818218.
- ^ Corbeil, LE; Morrissey, JF; Léguillette, R (October 2016). "Is Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection (pigeon fever) in horses an emerging disease in western Canada?". The Canadian Veterinary Journal. 57 (10): 1062–1066. PMC 5026146. PMID 27708444.