Pigeon Fever Warning for Colorado Horse Owners
Colorado State University veterinarians have issued a warning to horse owners in the state to be on the lookout for pigeon fever. They are reporting a spike in cases along the northern Front Range of Colorado.
Pigeon fever is a highly contagious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. It is an important disease in areas where it's common, but it is essentially unheard of in other regions (I've never seen a case myself). This bacterial infection typically causes abscesses along the horse's chest, midline and groin. The condition can be very painful, and affected horses may be very lame or reluctant to move. The infection also causes fever, lethargy and weight loss. In some cases, it can be fatal.
Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis can live in the soil and enter the horse's body through wounds or other breaks in the skin. Flies, especially cattle horn flies, may also transmit the infection. People are not affected, but can transmit the bacterium on their bodies (e.g. hands), clothing or other items. Despite the name, horses do not get the infection from contact with pigeons.
People in this region of Colorado (plus other areas where this disease occurs) should be on the lookout for affected horses. Initial signs are often vague and the diagnosis may not be apparent until the disease is already advanced. If you think your horse may be affected, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. In the interim, your horse should be isolated to reduce the risk of further transmission. Areas on the farm where affected horses have been should be quarantined until they are adequately cleaned and disinfected - bacteria in pus from draining abscesses can survive for several weeks in the environment.
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