One horse in San Joaquin County, California, and one horse in Boyle County, Kentucky, were confirmed with West Nile virus (WNV) in mid-September.
California
On September 19, a 5-year-old Quarter Horse mare was confirmed with WNV, according to the Califonria Department of Food and Agriculture. The mare had onset of clinical signs on September 16 that included depression, severe ataxia, buckling at the knees, off food and water, and fasciculations in the front leg. The horse is still alive.
Kentucky
On September 19, the Kentucky Office of the State Veterinarian confirmed WNV in a 7-year-old Paint gelding. The unvaccinated gelding had onset of clinical signs on September 15. He presented with a mild ataxia, which was more pronounced in his front limbs. This was the first case of WNV in Kentucky for 2019.
Information for this report was provided by the Equine Disease Communication Center.
