With several cases of Potomac Horse Fever being reported in central Virginia the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has made horse owners aware of the threat. Although the disease is not contagious, it can be fatal.
Devastating horse disease carried by aquatic insects
Potomac horse fever is most commonly found near creeks and rivers and likely caused when horses ingest infected aquatic insects such as damselflies, caddisflies and mayflies.
Horse owners, especially those in the geographic area, are urged to consult with their veterinarians for the latest information about the cases in the surrounding community and for help to assess their particular situation. Since there have been cases reported, it is very likely the veterinarian will recommend vaccinations because that is the only way to help protect horses against Potomac Horse Fever.
Potomac horse fever is most commonly found near creeks and rivers and likely caused when horses ingest infected aquatic insects such as damselflies, caddisflies and mayflies.
Although named Potomac horse fever because the initial 1979 outbreak occurred near the Potomac River in Maryland, the disease has since been identified in 43 states, three Canadian provinces, parts of South America, the Netherlands and France.
In determining a horse’s possible exposure to PHF, owners should consider the horse’s immediate surroundings and the local projections for this year’s aquatic insect population.
PHF can have serious complications, so the decision about whether or not to vaccinate is an important one. The fatality rate in untreated cases can be up to 30 percent. Another devastating effect of PHF is the possible development of laminitis, which occurs in up to 40 percent of affected horses.
The disease causes colitis, dehydration and diarrhea. Without treatment, which includes tetracycline-based antibiotics, intravenous fluids and anti-inflammatory agents, the disease can lead to shock, permanent lameness or even death.