Results of diagnostic testing reported on Friday, November 11, by the University of Kentucky’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, confirmed a diagnosis of West Nile virus affecting a seventh Kentucky horse.
The diagnosis is based on detectable WNv specific IgM antibody and compatible clinical symptoms.
The affected horse was in Powell County, Kentucky. It was a 12-year-old Palomino gelding that presented as lethargic, febrile, and inappetent on Nov. 4, 2016. As of Nov. 11 it was reported as recovering. There was no WNV vaccination history.
Equine in seven of Kentucky’s 120 counties have been affected by WNV this year: Barren (1), Bourbon (1), Hart (1), Hardin (1), Logan (1), Powell (1), Union (1).
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s web page has been updated to reflect this seventh case and can be found at Y-T-D WNv Summary.
You can see a Map of affected counties.
This information was provided by Rusty Ford, Equine Programs Manager ,Office of the Kentucky State Veterinarian.