Dry weather predicted in several states this year could lead to an outbreak of a deadly disease that affects horses, according to The Associated Press. Agricultural officials in Louisiana and Arkansas have warned farmers to be vigilant about the disease, as the conditions appear to be right this year for a potential pandemic.
The disease is often referred to as "pigeon fever," because it forms abscesses on the horse's chest that give it a pigeon-breasted appearance. The condition is also occasionally referred to as the dry-land strangles.
Veterinarians speculate that the disease is almost always present, but cases tend to increase during droughts. Dry weather tends to result in more dust, and the news source reports that bacteria can travel on dust particles and infect small cuts on the horses.
Treatment for the disease is possible if it's caught early, but the abscesses can be fatal depending on where they develop. The tumors have to be frequently drained by the farmer and the horses need to be quarantined. Still, once the disease develops it can be spread to other horses by flies.
Sam Irwin, spokesman for the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, told the news source that the state averages less than 3 cases per year, but the number rose to 33 during the dry weather last year. This year, the state is prepared for up to 300 incidents.
While horses once performed the bulk of the work on farms, they're now more suited for specialized tasks. Various types of agricultural equipment have made things much easier on the modern farmer. The online auction site IronPlanet is a great resource for farmers looking to expand their business by purchasing new equipment such as combine harvesters or sprayers. The site's IronClad Assurance allows buyers to view full inspection reports before they submit a bid, ensuring they know exactly what they're getting.
