Chance of Potomac?

[KD_eq]

Hey everyone!
I’ve been kind of freaking out the past few days as I found a dead mayfly in the horses water trough. There are 6 horses in the field, 3 of which are mine. Water is dumped regularly as I do it once a day while I’m there.

I texted the vet immediately as I was freaking out a bit lol. She said to scrub the trough and watch horses closely for any symptoms.

Not that there can be a definite answer, but does this mean these horses are definitely going to develop PHF or are very likely too?

Sorry if I sound crazy, but I’m definitely freaking out a bit over this! Hahaha

[WildGooseChase]

Any water dwelling bug can carry PHF. Even dragonflies! But the most common exposure is the ingestion of an infected insect, which is far more common in ponds, lakes, creeks etc. Incubation is 10-18 days.

Follow your vet’s instructions, and keep a mindful eye on them for a couple weeks. I can’t say whether or not they will contract PHF. Is it common in your area? Are your horses vaccinated?

PS, it’s also not contagious, so no worries about keeping PHF positive horses near others who are not.

[erinmeri]

My horse had it this summer. It was really scary. I would monitor temps 2x a day (fever is biphasic), and keep an eye on their eating. My mare first went off grain, then hay. Her temp was never very high, 101.4, which some do not consider a fever. It presented like a mild colic for my horse - dull, listless, off food… She was vaccinated, not boosted. She recovered well, but it was very scary. Hoping your herd is not infected!!

[trubandloki]

In situations like this I like to remind myself of all the things my horse encounters that I do not notice so I do not know to panic about them.

I am not saying you should not keep an eye out for any symptoms of PHF, but I would not freak yourself out and lose sleep about it either.

Jingles!

[erinmeri]

@trubandloki

In situations like this I like to remind myself of all the things my horse encounters that I do not notice so I do not know to panic about them.

I am not saying you should not keep an eye out for any symptoms of PHF, but I would not freak yourself out and lose sleep about it either.

Agree with this 100%, but this summer’s bout with PHF taught me to take small changes more seriously too. I think it can go both ways…

[walktrot]

Years ago, 15 maybe, several of us were talking with the vet about vaccines to add to the basic five, now known as core vaccines. Strangles was one. We asked about PHF. The vet said we don’t have PHF in Maine so you don’t necessarily need the vaccine. Unless you travel out of Maine and head into Massachusetts. That’s where it starts so if you are heading in that direction for shows, for example, your horse should be vaccinated. I haven’t heard anything about PHF but look at how Lyme disease spread.

[trubandloki]

@walktrot

Years ago, 15 maybe, several of us were talking with the vet about vaccines to add to the basic five, now known as core vaccines. Strangles was one. We asked about PHF. The vet said we don’t have PHF in Maine so you don’t necessarily need the vaccine. Unless you travel out of Maine and head into Massachusetts. That’s where it starts so if you are heading in that direction for shows, for example, your horse should be vaccinated. I haven’t heard anything about PHF but look at how Lyme disease spread.

It is pretty much everywhere.

Potomac Horse Fever (PHF) | AAEP

[findthedistance]

I have been a BM in proximity to the Potomac River for 12 years. I have found mayflies in water sources many, many times. I have had one actual PHF case and that horse (vaccinated) recovered uneventfully.

I vote for scrub, dump, and forget about it. And time your PHF vaccine for best coverage in your climate.