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[Home](https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/cms/life-out-here) 2. [The Barn](https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/cms/life-out-here/the-barn) 3. [Horse](https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/cms/life-out-here/the-barn/horse) 4. Shipping Fever in Horses # Shipping Fever in Horses: Prevention, Early Signs and Urgent Treatment Sep 30, 2026 [Efrem Hunter, DVM](https://www.tractorsupply.com)  # __Shipping Fever in Horses__ Owning or caring for a horse can require transporting the animal for competitions, breeding, sales or simply a change in location. However, travel can come with significant health risks if not managed carefully. One of the most serious concerns is shipping fever, also known as transport-associated pneumonia. Because shipping fever in horses can progress quickly, it is crucial for you to be proactive. Knowing the early warning signs, taking preventive measures before, during and after transport and following urgent treatment steps helps protect your horse’s health. #### Key Takeaways - Shipping fever in horses is a serious respiratory infection that often develops after stressful or long-distance travel, particularly when the animal cannot naturally clear its airways. - Early signs of the condition, such as fever, reduced appetite and subtle changes in behavior, can appear within hours to a couple of days after transport. - Vet diagnosis is essential to confirm the condition and guide treatment. - Treatment for shipping fever in horses typically involves antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, rest, hydration and careful monitoring. ### __What Is Shipping Fever in Horses?__ Shipping fever is a severe bacterial respiratory infection that develops due to the stress and conditions associated with [trailer](https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/catalog/livestock-trailers) travel. When a horse is transported, particularly over long distances, it is often confined with its head elevated for extended periods and exposed to unfamiliar pathogens. This positioning prevents the normal drainage of mucus and debris from the animal’s respiratory tract, allowing bacteria to accumulate and potentially enter the lungs. Under normal conditions, horses can clear inhaled particles and bacteria through coughing and mucus drainage. When a horse is transported, these actions are often compromised, making it easier for bacteria and other irritants to migrate into the lower airways. Travel exceeding 100 miles, or more than 3 to 4 hours in a trailer, substantially increases the risk of shipping fever in horses.  Stress also plays a significant role. The physical and psychological strain of travel can weaken a horse’s immune system, reducing its ability to fight off infection. Other factors, such as poor ventilation, dust, dehydration and temperature fluctuations, can further increase the risk of illness. __Expert tip:__ While shipping fever can develop in any horse, competition horses and racehorses are at higher risk due to frequent travel and time spent in high-risk areas. That is largely because these horses are more likely to travel long distances and come into close contact with other animals of different origins, increasing their potential exposure to pathogens. ### __What Are the Symptoms of Shipping Fever in Horses?__ Recognizing the signs of shipping fever is critical to preventing the condition from becoming dangerous and life-threatening. Symptoms may start subtly and worsen over time, usually appearing 24 to 48 hours post-travel.  The following symptoms may indicate shipping fever in your horse:  - Fever (typically above 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit) - Lethargy, depression or reduced energy levels - Loss of appetite or decreased water intake - Coughing, which often starts mildly and becomes more frequent - Nasal discharge, initially clear but may turn thick, yellow or foul-smelling - Increased respiratory rate or labored breathing - Reluctance to move or stiffness, which may be due to chest discomfort - Signs of pain or discomfort, including a tucked-up abdomen or sensitivity when the chest area is touched - Noticeable swelling along the lower chest or abdomen, caused by fluid buildup - Weight loss (usually in more advanced cases) __Expert tip:__ If you notice any warning signs of shipping fever after travel, it is critical to contact a veterinarian right away, especially because symptoms can escalate quickly. Delaying medical attention affects the prognosis and increases the risk of complications.  ### __How Do Veterinarians Diagnose Shipping Fever in Horses?__ Because the symptoms of shipping fever can be subtle in the condition’s initial stages or be mistaken for simple travel fatigue, diagnosis can be challenging. Veterinarians take a thorough, systematic approach to confirm shipping fever and assess its severity. This involves the following diagnostic steps:  #### Travel History and Initial Assessment The diagnostic process typically begins with the veterinarian gathering a detailed travel history. They will ask how long or how far the sick horse was transported, whether its head was tied up, how well the trailer was ventilated and when symptoms first became noticeable. This information helps the vet determine the likelihood of a transport-related illness and how advanced the condition is.  #### Physical Examination The vet will perform a hands-on examination of the horse, checking its temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and other vital signs. The veterinarian will pay close attention to the lungs, listening for abnormal sounds, such as wheezes, that could indicate reduced airflow. Additional observations, such as nasal discharge, lethargy or a reluctance to move, help the vet establish a clearer clinical picture.  #### Laboratory Testing Vets will commonly rely on bloodwork to detect infection and inflammation. Results showing elevated white blood cell counts and certain proteins can indicate that the horse’s body is actively fighting a bacterial infection. For a more precise diagnosis, veterinarians may perform one of the following: - __Tracheal wash,__ which involves injecting sterile saline into the airway and retrieving it to diagnose lower respiratory diseases - __Bronchoalveolar lavage,__ where a bronchoscope introduces saline into a small lung segment and then suctions it back to collect cells and fluid These procedures help collect lung fluid for analysis. The sample can identify the specific bacteria involved in shipping fever and help determine the most effective antibiotic treatment. #### Imaging of the Lungs To assess how far shipping fever has progressed, imaging techniques are performed. Thoracic ultrasound is especially useful for detecting fluid, lung consolidation or abscesses (a buildup of white blood cells, dead tissue and bacteria) near the lung surface. Chest X-rays may also be utilized in certain scenarios to provide a more detailed view of the lungs. __Expert tip:__ Individual horses can have consistent baseline temperatures at either end of the normal range (99 to 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit). An owner who knows their horse reliably runs at 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit should be concerned at a temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit, even though it falls within the normal range. This distinction is clinically meaningful and gives owners a more precise early warning tool. A temperature above 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit is always a cause for concern in horses.   ### __What Are the Treatment and Recovery Protocols for Shipping Fever in Horses?__ Prompt veterinary care is critical to treating shipping fever in horses. The vet will create a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at controlling the infection, reducing inflammation and supporting recovery. Because shipping fever can progress into severe pneumonia that may become fatal, early and aggressive treatment is key for successful outcomes.  #### Antibiotics Once it is determined that the horse has a respiratory infection, veterinarians may administer drugs such as:  - [Naxcel® Sterile Powder](https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/catalog/horse-antibiotics) (ceftiofur sodium – broad-spectrum antibiotic labeled for respiratory infections in horses caused by Streptococcus zooepidemicus) - [Excede® Sterile Suspension](https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/excede-sterile-suspension-200-mg-ml-2544591) (ceftiofur crystalline free acid – extended-release injectable antibiotic for horses; labeled for lower respiratory tract infection) - Broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as: - penicillin G ([Norbrook® Norocillin, penicillin G Procaine Injectable Solution](https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/durvet-pen-aqueous-100-ml-2206759)) - gentamicin (injectable via veterinary prescription through Tractor Supply’s horse pharmacy) - enrofloxacin (available with a veterinary prescription through Tractor Supply’s horse pharmacy) - trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole ([Equisul-SDT® Oral Suspension, 400mg/ML](https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/equisul-sdt-oral-suspension-%28sulfadiazine-trimethoprim%29-400-mg-ml-2597294)) - Metronidazole (anaerobic coverage in severe cases; available via veterinary prescription through Tractor Supply’s horse pharmacy) These antibiotics allow veterinarians to initiate treatment immediately, before laboratory diagnostics identify the specific bacterium, to stop the bacterial infection from spreading to the lungs. Once culture results are available, antibiotics may be adjusted to target the specific bacteria involved more effectively. #### Anti-Inflammatory Medications [Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)](https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/catalog/horse-anti-inflammatory-pain-medications), including [flunixin meglumine (Banamine®)](https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/banamine-%28flunixin-meglumine%29-injection-2544621) and [phenylbutazone (VetOne® Vetribute™ Bolus)](https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/vetone-vetribute-%28phenylbutazone%29-bolus-100-ct-2544703), are commonly prescribed to help reduce fever, inflammation and discomfort. Lowering inflammation is a crucial aspect of treatment because it not only helps your horse feel better, but it also improves lung function and appetite during the recovery process. Some over-the-counter NSAIDS are available in paste and powder formulations, which can also help to relieve symptoms.   #### Fluid and Supportive Care When treating and recovering from shipping fever, hydration is crucial. Due to stress, travel and reduced water intake, dehydration is common for horses with shipping fever. Intravenous (IV) fluids and electrolytes* (veterinary-administered) help to maintain hydration, thin respiratory secretions and support overall organ function.  \**Speak with your veterinarian before adding electrolytes to your horse’s feed in the days leading up to travel, as supplementation protocols vary depending on the individual horse’s health status, diet and the nature of the journey. For most horses traveling in warm weather, electrolyte supplementation 3 to 5 days before transport can help support hydration – but this is not appropriate for all horses, particularly those with conditions affecting electrolyte balance.* #### Rest and Environmental Management One of the most important components of treating shipping fever in horses is rest, which allows the animal’s lungs to heal. Your horse should be kept in a well-ventilated, low-dust environment to reduce respiratory irritation during treatment and recovery. The vet will also likely advise you to avoid transport, strenuous exercise and exposure to allergens.  #### Intensive Care for Severe Cases If the infection is advanced, more intensive care is usually necessary. This can include prolonged antibiotic therapy, repeated imaging to monitor the condition and pleural fluid drainage. Pleural effusion – the accumulation of fluid between the lungs and chest wall – is a serious complication of advanced shipping fever. Its presence indicates significant disease progression and a more guarded prognosis. Drainage is performed under veterinary sedation to relieve pressure on the lungs, and it is one of the clearest indicators that earlier intervention would have changed the clinical picture. If your veterinarian recommends pleural drainage, prompt compliance with all follow-up care instructions is critical. In rare cases, the vet may recommend hospitalization for round-the-clock care.  __Expert tip:__ Never stop antibiotic medication early, even if your horse appears fully recovered. Shipping fever often requires a full course of treatment, sometimes extended, to completely clear the infection. Stopping treatment too soon can lead to relapse or antibiotic resistance, making the condition harder to treat should it occur a second time. ### __How Can You Prevent Shipping Fever in Horses?__ Because the illness is caused by stress from transport, difficulty clearing airways naturally and immune suppression, prevention should focus on minimizing these risk factors before, during and after travel. Some best practices to follow include: #### Monitor Your Horse’s Temperature Take your horse’s temperature with a digital thermometer before and after travel. Normal resting temperature for a horse is generally 99 to 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Establishing your horse’s individual baseline temperature before any planned transport is more clinically useful than relying on the general published range, as normal temperature can vary between individuals. A temperature higher than 1 degree above the horse’s known baseline warrants veterinary attention, regardless of whether the reading falls within the general normal range of 99 to 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit – a threshold consistent with American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) clinical guidance. After transport, check temperature daily for at least 48 to 72 hours. #### Allow Head Movement When Traveling The most effective practical measure for protecting the horse’s airways during transport is to use a long rope or loose tie that allows maximum freedom of head movement throughout the journey. Research consistently shows that horses tied with long ropes had no increase in respiratory bacterial load compared to those tied short. At rest stops, unsnap the lead entirely to allow the horse to fully lower its head – this natural head-down posture is when mucociliary clearance is most effective.  #### Plan for Regular Breaks For longer journeys, stopping every 3 to 4 hours for 30 minutes to allow your horse to rest, rehydrate and lower its head can significantly reduce the chance of developing shipping fever. Even short breaks can help minimize stress and support normal respiratory function, which can significantly improve your horse’s well-being during transport. #### Optimize Trailer Ventilation Good airflow is essential during any length of transportation. Poor ventilation allows dust, ammonia and pathogens to build up inside the trailer, increasing respiratory irritation. Keep vents and windows open when safe to do so, and use clean [bedding](https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/catalog/horse-bedding) to help improve air quality.  #### Stay Ahead of Hydration Dehydration weakens the immune system and thickens respiratory secretions, making it more difficult for the horse to clear its airways. Always encourage your horse to drink before, during and after travel. Speak to your veterinarian before adding electrolyte supplements to your [horse’s feed](https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/catalog/horse-feed) in the days leading up to travel and following, as supplementation protocols vary depending on the horse’s individual health status, diet and the nature of the journey. #### Reduce Stress Stress plays a major role in suppressing the immune system, contributing to the likelihood of developing a transport-related illness. Some effective preventative measures include:  - Maintaining a consistent routine leading up to travel - Avoiding drastic changes to the routine or trailer - Allowing your horse time to settle before and after the journey #### Monitor Health Before and After Travel You should never transport any horse that is already showing signs of illness, such as fever, nasal discharge or lethargy. After traveling, monitor your horse closely for at least a couple of days, checking temperature, appetite and behavior, to catch warning signs early.   #### Vaccines While there is no vaccine specifically for shipping fever, keeping your horse up to date on core [respiratory vaccinations](https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/catalog/horse-respiratory-vaccines) is essential to preventing any transport-related condition. Shipping fever is caused by opportunistic bacteria that colonize a stressed and immunocompromised respiratory tract, rather than by a single pathogen that can be targeted with a dedicated vaccine. Keeping horses current on core respiratory vaccinations – including equine influenza and equine herpesvirus (EHV-1 and EHV-4) – reduces the overall burden on the immune system and supports baseline respiratory health, which is the goal of vaccination in the context of transport preparation. This is consistent with AAEP core vaccine recommendations for horses that travel. Other vaccination recommendations include: - [Fluvac Innovator® EHV-4/1](https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/fluvac-innovator-ehv-4-1-vaccine-2543787) (equine influenza + equine herpesvirus EHV-1 and EHV-4; required for USEF competition within 6 months) - [Fluvac Innovator® 4](https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/zoetis-fluvac-innovator-4-63379-1305424) or [Fluvac Innovator® 5](https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/fluvac-innovator-zoetis-fluvac-innovator-5-63381-1305435) (combination vaccines including EEE, WEE, flu and tetanus) - Core EQ Innovator® (5-way core vaccine; pair with Fluvac Innovator for complete protection) - Equine viral arteritis (EVA) vaccine (risk-based; relevant for traveling horses) - Strangles vaccine (relevant for horses in high-contact or show environments) __Expert tip:__ Because some horses are stubborn and refuse to drink from unfamiliar water sources, train your horse to drink on the road before traveling. Practicing at home by offering your horse water from different [buckets](https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/catalog/buckets-pails-tubs) can help them feel more comfortable when drinking on the road or at their destination.  ## __Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Fever in Horses__ __What causes shipping fever in horses?__ Shipping fever is usually caused by bacteria in a horse’s upper airway. During transport, stress, dehydration and restricted head movement can weaken the immune system and prevent proper airway clearance, allowing bacteria to travel to the lungs and cause infection.  __How soon will symptoms appear after travel?__  Symptoms of shipping fever typically appear within 24 to 48 hours after travel. In some cases, early signs, such as fever, may show up before the 24-hour mark, particularly if the trip was long or stressful.   __Can a horse fully recover from shipping fever?__  Yes, many horses make a full recovery with prompt veterinary care and treatment. Severe or delayed cases, however, can lead to complications, including lung damage or abscess formation, which may require longer recovery times and more intensive care.  __How long does shipping fever in horses take to treat?__  The duration of treatment for shipping fever in horses varies depending on the severity of the condition. Most cases require at least 1 to 3 weeks of antibiotics. More advanced cases may require several additional weeks or even months of follow-up care.   ## __Support Equine Wellness with Tractor Supply’s Horse Pharmacy__ With preventive care and post-travel monitoring, most horses travel safely without any complications. However, if your animal shows early signs of shipping fever, prompt veterinary care and immediate action are required. 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