Potomac-Pferdefieber Titelbild

Potomac Horse Fever

Alt. Names: Equine Neorickettsiosis, PHF

This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly.

Definition of Potomac Horse Fever​

Potomac Horse Fever is caused by Neorickettsia risticii (formerly Ehrlichia risticii). Originally described in 1979 as a sporadic disease affecting horses residing in the eastern United States near the Potomac River, the disease has since been identified in various other geographic locations in the United States and Canada.
The disease is seasonal, occurring between late spring and early fall in temperate areas.
Potomac Horse Fever is NOT a contagious disease – so one horse cannot give it to another and it cannot be spread from horse to horse.

Symptoms of Potomac Horse Fever​

  • Rolling
  • Lethargy
  • Underweight
  • Low appetite
  • Swelling
  • Pawing
  • Fever
  • High Heart Rate
  • Infrequent
  • No passing
  • Dark
  • Dry and tacky
  • Prolonged Refill
  • Fecal water
  • Diarrhea
  • Sunken
  • Dull
  • Depressed

Common in

  • Summer months
  • Stagnant water
  • Moving water
  • Bog

Exclusive in

  • Uruguay
  • Brazil
  • USA
  • Canada
  • India
  • France
  • Netherlands

Treatment of Potomac Horse Fever​

Treatment involves intravenous antibiotics and supportive care (i.e. intravenous fluids, anti-inflammatories, ice on the feet, etc., depending on the severity of the horse’s illness).

Prevention of Potomac Horse Fever​

Vaccination provides protection and minimizes the severity of disease if a horse is infected, but does not usually completely prevent a horse from getting Potomac Horse Fever. It is recommended to try to minimize the exposure to infected insects by turning off stable lights at night in high risk areas.

How Happie can help you manage your horse's health

Happie Horse App digitale Gesundheitsakte

Digital health management offers numerous benefits in modern equine healthcare.

With the Happie Horse App, you can track symptom patterns and body values, such as Temperature, Pulse and Respiration. Allowing you to notice abnormal changes in body and behaviour early on, leading to more successful treatments.

The Happie symptom checker allows you to add all of your horse's abnormal symptoms in order to present potential causes and diseases.

Google Play
App Store

Related articles

Salmonellosis in horses is a bacterial infection causing severe diarrhea, fever, and dehydration, requiring prompt treatment.
Intestinal

Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly. Salmonellosis is a disease associated with the

Equine coronavirus is a contagious viral infection affecting horses, characterized by fever, lethargy, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.
Intestinal

Equine Coronavirus

Equine Coronavirus Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease. Equine Coronavirus (ECoV) is a viral infection in horses caused

Endotoxemia in horses is a life-threatening condition caused by toxins in the blood, leading to severe inflammation and illness.
Intestinal

Endotoxemia

Endotoxemia This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly. The presence of endotoxins in the blood