Two horses have tested positive for pigeon fever in Clark County, WA. Both horses are housed at the same farm. Equids, cattle, sheep, goats, buffalo and camelids can contract West Nile, as can people in rare instances. The disease can be highly contagious if it is not managed properly; there is no licensed vaccine available.
Pigeon fever is caused by a bacteria that can persist in soil for months; in horses it is primarily spread from through open wounds or by flies. Pigeon fever most commonly presents as external abscesses on the chest or abdomen, though internal abscesses can also occur. This disease is typically present in hot, dry Western climates, but has spread to states such as Florida and Kentucky.
Read more at the Equine Disease Communication Center.
Reade the AAEP Infectious Disease Guidelines here.
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