11/03/08 Pigeon fever

Seems anytime you build a barn pigeons show up. They are a nuisance but they have nothing do with the outbreak attacking Northwest horses called pigeon fever. I'm Jeff Keane, stay tuned until after the break and we will tell you how to recognize and treat this horse disease also known as dry land distemper. The nasty disease of pigeon fever being reported on the East side of the mountains doesn't have anything to do with pigeons. Here is Susan Allen to shed some light on how Pigeon Fever affects horses. Jeff, Pigeon Fever is hammering eastern Oregon hard! In the Bend area alone one veterinary clinic is reporting an average of three new horses a day they now treat for the infection. The disease received its name for the swellings it causes on the horses chest, abdomen or groin that take the shape of a pigeon's breast. An owners initial thought is that the horse has been kicked but the abscess's (sometimes up to thirty), become filled with an infectious puss and can take months to heal. Pigeon fever is actually transmitted by flies so fly control is critical, especially right now in the fall. There is no vaccination, only treatment; hot packs and lancing, and those working with infected horses need to disinfect their hands and shoes so as not to transmit pigeon fever throughout the barn. Susan like West Nile, Pigeon Fever has moved into the Northwest, this time from California. On a positive note, most horses recover and become immune to further outbreaks . I'm Jeff Keane.