Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pigeon Fever?

A Bacterial disease spread by flies/insects biting the skin/ventral abdomen.

It causes infection of the lymph system leading to the development of an abscess. Most commonly found in the chest and sheath or udder area.

It may take weeks or even months to develop an abscess.

Is Pigeon Fever in horses only?

It is found primarily in horses but can occur occasionally in other farm animals.

Is Pigeon Fever spread by pigeons or does it cause a fever?

No, pigeon fever does not usually cause a fever and has nothing to do with pigeons.  The name was originated because of the pigeon breast appearance of the developing abscess on the chest.  The current name of pigeon fever is gaseous lymphangitis and is caused by the bacteria corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis.

Is Pigeon Fever contagious?

Yes. It is spread by contact through biting flies/insects. It is not rapidly contagious as is strangles. It is more commonly in the environment and shows up seasonally under certain weather conditions. You may have more than one case on a ranch but not directly spread from horse to horse. New horses are more likely to be infected. The season is generally August thru December.

What is Strangles?

A bacterial disease spread by contact.  It can be nose to nose, by people handling diseased horses, by flies/insects, by dust particles, by stall cleaners and equipment etc.  It causes fever, listless, cough, nasal discharge, abscesses.  It is very contagious and spreads rapidly. 

Should I vaccinate for strangles?

Yes. If you are in an area that has seen strangles cases or if your horse is being exposed to other horses outside of their home either by showing, boarding or trail riding. The vaccine can cause reactions as with any vaccine, but very infrequent and minimal. 

How does a horse get Strangles without being exposed to other horses with Strangles?

There is a carrier state in some horses that have had strangles.  They may shed the bacteria in their nasal secretions periodically allowing it to crop up out of the blue.

How do you identify carriers?

They appear perfectly normal.  The only way is to culture the nasal secretions several times and identify the bacteria.  This is best done right after they have had strangles and have cleared up from it.

See additional information on Pigeon Fever on our Veterinary Tidbits page

If you have any questions you would like answered, email us hsstation@aol.com

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