ridecamp@endurance.net: Pigeon Fever

Pigeon Fever

DreamWeaver (karen@chaton.gardnerville.nv.us)
Sun, 05 Oct 1997 13:10:27 -0700

Hey everyone...

I just returned from a ride to find out that my neighbors horse that shares
a fence line with mine has a bad case of Pigeon Fever (aka Dry-land
distemper). This really worries me because a couple of years ago every
single horse surrounding us came down with it, except for mine. (something
like 13-14 other horses). I remember that at least one horse did not
survive. I know it is not likely that I'll be so lucky twice.

Does anybody else out there have any experience with this illness? Are
there any signs to look for..besides the large edemas that swell up on
their chests? So far so good, except that my horse Weaver has some
swelling in the "V" part of his chin/jaw area. All other vitals are
normal, and he is eating well. (more like constantly, as usual) Is there
anything I can do to help prevent them from getting this? I've heard it is
transmitted quite easily...by contact with the open wounds (luckily there
is a hot-wire between the infected horse and mine) OR fly bites. So I am
fly spraying them. Are my horses possibly more resistant because they are
fit and healthy...or is it just luck I wonder?

I had wanted to do an endurance ride in a couple of weeks but don't want to
chance it if there is any possiblity of the horses being infected with
this. The vet told my neighbors that a very high number of horses are
coming down with this right now....has anybody else in any other areas had
a breakout of Pigeon Fever?

There is good news :-)...it's October already and Rocky does not have hives
this year (the first time in FIVE years). Yeah!!

Any info or advice is appreciated. Thank you,

Happy Trails,

Karen
in Gardnerville
& Weaver
& Rocky
& JR the QH next door who doesn't look very good :(

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