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The fly population has increased significantly on the coast over the last few years with the increase in temperatures. Due to the increase in flies, certain diseases such as Pigeon Fever are becoming a concern that we have never had to deal with. Pigeon fever is the common name for a bacterial infection that usually presents as an abscess in the equine pectoral or chest region giving a pigeon “breast-like” appearance. The causative agent is known as Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and can cause disease in other species such as cattle, sheep, and goats. There is very little transmission between species, but horses and cows are infected with the same species so they can cross-contaminate each other. 

Often the first clinical sign an owner will notice is swelling of the chest or abdomen. The animal may be lame at the walk and it is usually a sudden onset. The horse will often be bright and alert and eating and drinking. It may develop a fever as the infection progresses and the abscess gets closer to erupting. Some horses will develop a more serious infection where multiple abscesses occur. They can even develop internal abscesses which become much more serious and can be extremely difficult to diagnose and treat. Diagnosis can be made with a blood test, but is most commonly made by clinical signs and presenting complaints. 

Treatment for pigeon fever often includes hot packing the abscess in the pectoral or abdominal region to allow for maturation of the abscess. Once the abscess has become mature, it is important that it is opened by a veterinarian who can lance in a sterile fashion and collect all material from it. The discharge and pus is extremely contagious and infectious, so it is important to clean up all material and tools used for lancing. Clinicians will often administer an anti-inflammatory to help reduce pain and inflammation associated with the abscess. Antibiotics are rarely used as this can delay the maturation of the abscess. 

Pigeon fever is a highly contagious disease and it is our goal to limit the number of horses infected. Infected animals should be quarantined and all discharge should be double bagged and discarded appropriately. It is important to visit infected horses last to help reduce transmission to other animals. Flies are a major vector of disease and transmitter therefore; it is important to keep fly prevention around the abscess area and to use fly traps or fly predators to keep the amount insects to a minimum. 

“Ask the Vet” is a monthly column written by local veterinarians including Colin Chaves of Covington Creek Veterinary, Karen Novak of Mendocino Village Veterinary, and Kendall Willson of Mendocino Equine and Livestock. Past articles can be found on the Advocate-News and Beacon websites by searching “Ask the Vet.”

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