Oregon Veterinarians Report New Pigeon Fever Cases

State officials are tracking infections across five counties as owners are urged to manage fly populations.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Large Animals

Oregon Veterinarians Report New Pigeon Fever Cases

Live Poll

Is now a good time to increase safety measures to prevent disease spread among your horses?

State veterinarians have identified a series of confirmed and suspected cases of pigeon fever across five Oregon counties. One horse in Deschutes County has already been euthanized due to the bacterial infection.

Why it matters

Pigeon fever can significantly impact the health of horses and cattle, making early detection and prevention essential for livestock owners. The disease often manifests through painful abscesses on the chest and belly of affected animals.

Official reports confirm cases in Deschutes, Jackson, and Umatilla counties, alongside suspected cases in Crook and Morrow counties. Data indicates 16 suspected cases in Deschutes and 6 in Jackson, with 2 each in Crook and Morrow.

The details

The infection occurs when bacteria enters an animal through broken skin, commonly causing abscesses on the chest and belly areas. Veterinarians recommend that owners limit transmission risk by focusing on fly control and ensuring that horses and cattle do not share water buckets.

October 2026: New cases of pigeon fever were reported across Oregon.
Late summer through fall: This period represents the peak season for potential infection.

Culture Shift

This outbreak follows a pattern set by the 2026 Oregon seasonal bacterial infection trends in livestock. It highlights the growing focus on biosecurity measures necessary to protect large animals during high-risk times of the year.

Owners in the affected counties should increase their monitoring for abscesses on their animals' chests and bellies. Adopting stricter fly control protocols and separating water sources can help mitigate the risk of infection in your herd.

The takeaway

Proactive hygiene and insect control are the most effective ways for owners to protect their animals during the peak infection season. Monitoring for early signs of skin irritation can help prevent more severe health complications in horses and cattle.