Disease infecting Kansas horses amid drought
MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) A bacterial disease more commonly seen in the dry Southwest is infecting a large number of horses in Kansas.
The Associated Press reports veterinarians at Kansas State University blame the outbreak of pigeon fever on the persistent drought and this year's unusually hot summer.
Professor of equine medicine Laurie Beard said pigeon fever is painful for horses but not usually fatal. The disease causes muscle abscesses, most commonly in the pectoral muscles. That gives an infected horse a pigeon-like swollen chest.
Pigeon fever is caused by bacteria found in soil. Veterinarians at Kansas State said they treated a large number of horses throughout the fall and are still seeing more cases. They're hoping the outbreak will subside as winter weather moves in.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.