Potomac-Pferdefieber Potomac Horse Fever is a bacterial disease in horses causing fever, diarrhea, and laminitis, transmitted by ingesting infected insects or snails.

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.

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