Potomac horse fever is often associated with pastures bordering creeks or rivers. | Photo: iStock

Kentucky animal health officials have reported the commonwealth’s first case of Potomac horse fever (PHF) in 4-year-old Thoroughbred filly from Bourbon County.

E.S. Rusty Ford, equine operations consultant for the Kentucky State Veterinarian’s Office, said in a statement that the filly presented June 1 with profuse watery diarrhea, lethargy, and a fever of about 104°F. The filly was isolated at a hospital and PCR testing (fecal swab/feces) confirmed the PHF diagnosis.

“Following treatment, the symptoms began resolving over the weekend,” Ford said. “This morning (Monday, June 4) the patient is described as being significantly improved with a favorable prognosis