Potomac Horse Fever

[Sara Plemons]

Hey everyone. I just wanted to warn everyone to be on the lookout for Potomac Horse Fever. I have had two horses that have come down with it; lost one of them. This is something that most people don't think we have to worry about in Tennessee, but it is with us now. I also have a friend that lives about 20 miles from me that has a horse with it and is in very bad condition at UT Vet Hospital. If you notice your horse is acting differently about eating or drinking and is running a fever, it is very important to get them to a good vet and to get them treated for it as soon as they get sick. It can mimic colic, so be careful. Some vets around here will start a horse on antibiotics as soon as they see it if it has a fever because of the severity of the infection and the mortality rate. I know you all love your horses as much as I do mine so I just wanted everyone to beware. Thanks and please spread the word around.

[Sara Plemons]

Mary, it is not carried by mosquitoes. You must be thinking about West Nile. This is caused by a bacteria, not a virus. The bacteria is found in ponds and other bodies of water and then is carried by other insects and small animals back where the horses injest them. A vaccine will not stop a horse from getting potomac horse fever, but it will increase their resistance to the fever so they will not get as sick as one not vaccinated. It is a really bad disease and has a very high mortality rate.

[Mary]

Hi Linda--Yes there is a vaccine for Potomac Horse Fever. My vet recommended that I vaccinate this year because of all the rain. It is carried by mosquitoes, I believe. You can get it as an individual dose or included in your multiple vaccine. Happy trails, Mary

[Linda Ferree]

Thanks for the warning, Sara. Is there a vaccine for Potomac Horse Fever?