How to Disinfect Paddocks in a Dryland Distemper

Dryland distemper, colloquially known as pigeon fever, is caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. While this equine disease has been documented worldwide, outbreaks in the United States generally occur in the autumn and are largely isolated to the western states. Symptoms include irritated sores and abscesses on the chest and body of horses.

The bacteria can remain dormant in organic matter, such as straw bedding and in soil where infected horses have defecated, which makes it imperative to disinfect paddock areas. Disinfection does not replace veterinary care for infected horses, but limits the spread of the bacteria and prevents reinfection.

Things You'll Need

  • Bleach
  • Water
  • Clean cloths
  • Sponges
  • Bucket
  • Pressure washer
  • Mild soap
  • Protective clothing and gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove horses from the paddock area. It is especially important to quarantine horses presenting symptoms.

    • 2

      Pick up manure with a shovel or rake. Since bacteria harbors in feces, it is important to remove as much of it as possible.

    • 3

      Examine the paddock and fence line for debris such as straw or leaf piles where horses may have urinated or that may hide feces. Remove this organic material.

    • 4

      Remove top soil near waste or popular gathering places to reduce the chance of bacteria leaching to the soil and hiding.

    • 5

      Empty water troughs, buckets and feeders; scrape and scrub dirt and debris from the items. Fill a bucket with water and a mild detergent and wipe stains with a sponge. Household dish soap may be used to break up grease and other residue. The goal is to clean debris rather than to disinfect. Alternately, soap can be added to a pressure washer.

    • 6

      Rinse all cleaned items thoroughly.

    • 7

      Dry all items until they are no longer damp. Wet surfaces are a breeding ground for bacteria.

    • 8

      Combine three gallons of bleach to two gallon of water. Household bleach kills bacteria, but the concentration must be strong. Wear protective clothing, as the solution may discolor or otherwise damage shoes and clothes. Make sure selected clothing has been cleaned after contact with infected horses to prevent recontamination.

    • 9

      Scrub previously clean surfaces with the water and bleach solution and rinse thoroughly.

    • 10

      Thoroughly dry surfaces after process is complete. Use caution if drying surfaces with the aid of a fan. A fan can blow straw dust, leaves and other organic matter and may recontaminate cleaned area. It is more prudent to dry surfaces with clean towels or cloths.