Potomac Horse Fever Diagnosed in Livingston County
Tuesday, June 30, 2015 With this very wet spring we have had, there has been a confirmed case of Potomac Horse Fever in Livingston County in a horse that has not traveled out of the area.
Potomac Horse Fever causes diarrhea, fever, and potentially laminitis from bacterial endotoxin release. It is spread by a combined life cycle involving snails/slugs and mayflies or other insects that lay eggs in water. It is typically seen as the temperatures increase in the summer, so there is a concern that more cases may crop up now that Neorickettsia risticii has been confirmed in the area.
There is a Potomac Horse Fever vaccine available which offers some protection.
We would love to discuss vaccination or prevention strategies for your horses via email hendersonequine@gmail.com or phone 585-243-5560.
