Pigeon fever /Equine distember

Pigeon fever or Equine distember or Dry land distember.
pigeon fever is the abcess in horses caused by Cornybacterium pseudotuberculosis.

Symptoms

• Fever
• Depression
• Swelling
• Lethargy
• Internal abcess

Causes
It is caused by bacteria Cornybacterium pseudotuberculosis.
Infection mainly spreads through broken skin or open wound.
Also transmitted by house flies.

Types

1.Internal abcess
2.External abcess
3.Ulcerative lymphangitis

Prevention

• Cleanliness of the stable to prevent infection.
• Gloves should be weared while handling infected horses.
• Properly disinfect the equipments .

Treatment

• Hot poultices or hot packs should be done for ripening of abcess.
• Abcess should be opened and drained out.
• Abcess cavity should be flushed with povidine iodine solutions.
• Antinflammatory drugs can be given to reduce swelling.
• Antibiotics is required to control infections.