Tennessee’s state veterinarian confirms four horses in Tennessee have now tested positive for Potomac Horse Fever (PHF). Cases in Hawkins, Robertson, and Sullivan counties are in addition to the Wilson County case announced earlier this month where a horse was diagnosed with PHF and had to be euthanized.
PHF is preventable with regular vaccinations and environmental management. PHF is not a threat to human health and it is not contagious between horses. Horse owners should watch for signs that can include anorexia, diarrhea, colic, fever, and laminitis. Signs of the disease can appear in 2 to 18 days after ingestion and can be fatal if left untreated.
Vaccination for PHF should be administered before mid-to-late summer when the risk of illness is increased. Horse owners should work with their veterinarian to determine an appropriate vaccination schedule.