Dryland distemper is also known as pigeon fever. The chest and underbelly become swollen, then abscesses form in these areas within one to four weeks. The duration of the disease varies from weeks to months, depending on the severity of the abscesses.

One of the most commonly diagnosed bacterial problems in California (and several other western states) is dryland distemper, otherwise known as pigeon fever. This disease is caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and is seen worldwide. It usually is associated with very deep abscesses and multiple sores along the chest and midline.