Horses can be exposed to PHF's causative agent by inadvertently ingesting aquatic insects infected with flukes carrying the bacteria or by drinking flukes directly from rivers or streams. | Photo: iStock

One horse has died and several more are recovering after developing signs of Potomac horse fever (PHF) at the Liberty University Equestrian Center, in Lynchburg, Virginia.

The cases were identified earlier this month when seven horses stabled at Liberty University’s Equestrian Center displayed signs of infection. Of those, one horse died, said equestrian center director Suzanne Flag.

The surviving horses are under veterinary care and expected to make full recoveries, she said