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Potomac Horse Fever by Dr. MacGregorPotomac Horse Fever (PHF) is a disease that causes fever, depression, and dehydration. Most horses have profuse, watery diarrhea which typically lasts between three and ten days. Laminitis or founder is a common and serious complication, occurring about three days after the onset of diarrhea. Horses become infected
by accidentally ingesting infected mayflies, caddisflies, and
damselflies. Because of the seasonality of these flies, most
cases in Lancaster County occur between June and August.
Potomac Horse Fever is not spread from horse to horse.
You can minimize your horse's exposure to PHF by monitoring food and water sources for insects. Water buckets and troughs should be emptied and refilled daily. Since these insects are attracted to lights, keep barn lights off as much as possible. Treatment for Potomac Horse Fever typically involves antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, oral fluids and intravenous treatment. A vaccine is available by itself or in combination with rabies. While the PHF vaccine does not always prevent infection, it will decrease the severity of clinical signs in affected horses. Our veterinarians recommend using the PHF vaccine, especially in horses stabled near ponds, streams, and rivers. The vaccine should be administered between March and May each year.
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