Three common forms of pigeon fever affect horses – ulcerative lymphangitis, external abscess, and internal infection.
Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatments are required to prevent further complications, such as limb edema, prolonged or recurrent infection, lameness, weakness, and weight loss.
Treating pigeon fever with antibiotics is not normally recommended for external abscesses, since it is a strong bacterium that takes extended treatment to kill off and to ensure it does not return stronger.
During this time, keeping the area clean, applying hot packs, or drawing salves can help remove the pus that has gathered in the abscess.
This bacterium is present in soil and is transmitted to horses through open wounds, abrasions, or mucous membranes.
Owners should regularly apply insect repellent and routinely check their horses for open wounds to reduce the chance of infection.
[3] A regular manure-management program is recommended, including removal of soiled feed and bedding, as the bacteria can survive in hay and shavings for up to 2 months.
[6] The disease was traditionally thought to occur mainly in dry, arid regions,[5] but from at least 2005, its range has been increasing into areas where it was not previously seen, such as the Midwestern US,[7] and Western Canada.