Oregon reports pigeon fever case in imported horse

According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture, one horse in Benton County has tested positive for pigeon fever, and one additional horse has been exposed. The case was listed by the Equine Disease Communication Center on April 24, 2026, as a confirmed case under official quarantine, with notes that the horse had been imported from California about two weeks before diagnosis. The Horse published the alert on April 27, 2026, echoing the state report. Pigeon fever is caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and typically presents as abscesses on the chest or ventral abdomen. (equinediseasecc.org)

Why it matters: For equine veterinarians and practice teams, this is a reminder that interstate movement can complicate disease surveillance, especially for conditions with incubation periods that may delay recognition until after transport. UC Davis notes that clinical disease can emerge one to four weeks after infection, and both UC Davis and the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association emphasize isolation, fly control, and strict handling and equipment hygiene because the organism can spread through contaminated drainage, fomites, insects, and skin wounds. Oregon also lists pigeon fever/ulcerative lymphangitis among equine diseases reportable by veterinarians, reinforcing the need for prompt reporting and biosecurity planning. (ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu)

What to watch: Watch for any additional Oregon alerts tied to exposed horses, plus whether this imported case signals broader seasonal activity as vector pressure rises into summer. (equinediseasecc.org)