The following information comes from Rusty Ford, Equine Programs Manager from the Kentucky State Veterinarian’s office. These are the first two confirmed cases of WNV in Kentucky this year.
Results from laboratory testing conducted at the Murray State University Breathitt Veterinary Center has confirmed a diagnosis of West Nile virus in two horses. The Diagnosis is based on detectable WNv IgM antibody and compatible clinical symptoms.
Two Kentucky horses were confirmed late today as affected with West Nile virus. Both were unvaccinated, and both were reported today by the attending veterinarians as being in satisfactory condition and showing improvement.
In Barren County, a 5-year-old female “Racking Horse” was reported still alive. The date of clinical signs onset was Aug. 22, 2016. She showed some rear limb ataxia, facial muscle constant fasciculation, with some body muscle fasciculation. She also was hypersensitive to touch, sound and sudden movements. She was described on Aug. 26 as improving. She had no West Nile vaccination history.
In Hardin County an 11-year-old female Quarter Horse was reported still alive. The onset date of clinical signs was Aug. 22. She presented as ataxic in all four limbs, with more pronounced signs in rear limbs, and lower lip paresis. She also was lethargic. On Aug. 26 she was reported as showing improvement. There was no history of West Nile vaccination.
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s West Nile page will be updated early next week to reflect these first 2 equine West Nile cases of 2016. Find more information at www.kyagr.com.
