Snail-Borne Potomac Horse Fever Confirmed In Davidson County

NASHVILLE, TN -- The agriculture department confirmed cases of two potentially serious horse diseases in Tennessee, including a diagnosis of Potomac horse fever in a Davidson County animal.

Potomac horse fever, caused by a snail-borne bacteria and transmitted to horses when they drink from streams or rivers, causes colic, fever and diarrhea. It is not transmittable from horse to horse, nor is it a danger to humans.

(For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Tennessee Patch morning newsletter.)

In Shelby County, four horses have been diagnosed with strangles, an upper respiratory tract infect that causes swollen lymph nodes, fever and depression. It is contagious from animal to animal, though it is also not a danger to people.

“Potomac horse fever and strangles are serious infections, and if you notice any signs of illness in your horses, you should contact your veterinarian immediately,” State Veterinarian Dr. Charles Hatcher said. “With these confirmed cases in Tennessee, we urge horse owners to be sure their horses are protected by using best management practices, which includes consulting with your local veterinarian for appropriate vaccination needs and schedules.”

Hatcher also suggests the following recommendations for horse owners to prevent disease:
• Regularly disinfect stalls, water buckets, feed troughs, and other equipment
• Eliminate standing water sources where disease-carrying insects may gather and breed
• Avoid co-mingling your horses with other, unfamiliar horses

Image via Tennessee Department of Agriculture