Very Common
Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Tularemia
Synonyms: Rabbit Fever, Deer Fly Fever, Meat Cutter's Disease, Ohara Disease, Francis Disease
Summary
Tularemia is a bacterial disease caused by the bacteria Francisella tularensis, that affects many mammals, particularly rabbits, hares, and various rodents. This disease is transmitted by ticks, lice, mosquitos, horseflies and biting flies. It can also be transmitted via ingestion and inhalation. It is very rarely reported in horses and when it is, it is often accompanied by a severe tick infestation. Signs of this disease in horses apparently include fever, shortness of breath (dyspnea), incoordination, and depression.
Tularemia is a reportable disease, meaning that if a horse has or is suspected of having this disease, vets are required to report it to agricultural authorities (usually the State Veterinarian). These authorities may investigate the case as part of a larger effort to monitor equine health and coordinate with other states and the USDA APHIS in preventing the spread of illness or disease on a national and international level.
Tularemia is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be transferred from an infected animal to humans who handle or are bitten by infected animals. If you have been exposed to a horse or other animal with (or suspected of having) Tularemia you should contact your doctor.
Tularemia is a reportable disease, meaning that if a horse has or is suspected of having this disease, vets are required to report it to agricultural authorities (usually the State Veterinarian). These authorities may investigate the case as part of a larger effort to monitor equine health and coordinate with other states and the USDA APHIS in preventing the spread of illness or disease on a national and international level.
Tularemia is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be transferred from an infected animal to humans who handle or are bitten by infected animals. If you have been exposed to a horse or other animal with (or suspected of having) Tularemia you should contact your doctor.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
The prognosis is fair to good with appropriate antibiotic treatment.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Is Tularemia a possibility, considering my horse's signs?
- How can you rule it out?
- Am I (or my other animals) at risk for infection?
- What should I look for?
Prevention
Tick and external parasite prevention. Prevent exposure to rabbits and rodents, which are the main carriers of the disease.
Good facilities management to decrease the population of rodents is recommended, including the use of traps and bait. Remove brush piles where rodents like to live. Keep your tack room clean and keep all grain and treats in sturdy trash cans or plastic bins with lids.
further reading & resources
Outside Resources
CREDIBLE EQUINE HEALTH INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET
Related References:
USDA-APHIS Wildlife Damage Management: Tularemia Surveillance. Available at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/nwdp/tularemia.shtml. Accessed 2013.