Potomac horse fever (PHF) is an acute enterocolitis syndrome producing mild colic, fever, and diarrhea in horses of all ages, as well as abortion in pregnant mares. The causative agent is Neorickettsia risticii.

Jul 1, 2007 · Affected horses might develop signs of laminitis, evidenced by reluctance to move, and/or limb edema. Signs of endotoxemia can be seen as well, including elevated heart rate, dark mucous...

Potomac horse fever (PHF) is a seasonal gastrointestinal disease of horses, caused by infection with Neorickettsia risticii (formerly Ehrlichia risticii) bacterium. The disease has been reported in horses in living in the North and South America and Europe.

Mar 10, 2025 · Potomac Horse Fever is a bacterial disease caused by Neorickettsia risticii. Learn about symptoms, treatment, recovery, equine vaccination, and how to prevent.

Signs and symptoms of PHF include acute-onset fever, depression (sometimes profound), inappetence, mild colic-like symptoms, decreased manure production, profuse watery non-fetid diarrhea endotoxemia, edema due to protein imbalances, abortion by pregnant mares, and acute laminitis (20 to 40 percent of cases).

Feb 11, 2025 · Potomac Horse Fever (PHF), also known as equine monocytic ehrlichiosis or Shasta River Crud, is a potentially serious disease affecting horses. It’s caused by the bacteria Neorickettsia risticii and can lead to a range of symptoms, varying in severity.

Jan 3, 2025 · Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Potomac Horse Fever. According to the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC), symptoms of Potomac Horse Fever are variable, but commonly include: Fever (up to 107° F) Diarrhea (ranging from mild to severe) Loss of appetite; Depression or lethargy; Laminitis, which can occur with or without diarrhea

Mar 15, 2025 · Potomac Horse Fever (PHF) is not caused by a virus, but rather by the bacterium Neorickettsia risticii. This bacterium leads to a range of symptoms in horses, from mild fever and lethargy to severe diarrhea, colic, and potentially life-threatening laminitis.

Jul 13, 2017 · Symptoms of Potomac Horse Fever. Horses with Potomac Horse Fever may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms (which can be quite mild). Diarrhea; Fever; Anorexia; Depression; Colic (generally mild) Laminitis; Dehydration and toxemia; Fluid retention; Decreased intestinal sounds; Pregnant mares may be at risk for abortion

Oct 17, 2022 · Symptoms of Potomac Horse Fever. Signs your horse may be suffering from PHF include: Lethargy (decreased energy levels) Fever. Decreased appetite. Colic. Diarrhea. Dehydration. Laminitis. This bacteria-induced colitis is more likely to create secondary laminitis than some other organisms.