Pigeon fever

Pigeon Fever (also: Dry Land Distemper in Horses or Equine Distemper) is an 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.

Pigeon Fever is sometimes confused for Strangles, another infection that causes abscesses. Pigeon Fever is a bacteria 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." The reason it is called Dry Land Distemper is it is common in dry areas like California, Arizona, New Mexico and other areas.

Symptoms

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.

Treatment

Treatment can vary depending on many factors, such as age of horse, severity of symptoms and length of infection. As long a horse is eating and drinking, the infection must run it's course, much like a common cold virus. Overtime a horse will build up enough antibodies to overtake and fight the disease. Other treatment options can be applying heat packs to abscesses to help draw it to the surface and using drawing salves such as Ichthammol. A blood test can be taken to test the titer to confirm the horse is fighting Pigeon Fever. Anti-inflammatory such as Bute 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 bacteria 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. Consulting a Veterinarian for treatment is recommended. Making the horse comfortable, ensuring the horse has good food supply, some extra vitamins and quality hay will help the horse keep their immune system strong to fight off the infection. Once the abscess breaks or pops, it will 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.

Prevention

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 weaken their immune system. Exercise, good food, clean water and fly control will help minimize the spread of this disease.

References

• Jessie Evans, DVM - American Association of Equine Practitioners 4075 Iron Works Parkway | Lexington, KY 40511
• College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University.
• http://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/pigeon-fever-in-texas
• http://www.azequine.com/pigeon.pdf
• http://www.thinklikeahorse.org/index-14.html#10
• http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/10802.htm
• http://oregonvma.org/care-health/pigeon-fever
• http://www.equinevoices.org/horses/natural-care-corral/pigeon-fever-facts/