Rusty Ford, the Equine Programs Manager with the Kentucky State Veterinarian’s office, noted on August 1 that an 18-year-old Saddle Horse mare was confirmed positive for West Nile virus (WNV). She had presented with severe rear limb ataxia and lethargy on July 26, and her condition deteriorated prior to her being euthanized on July 28.
The mare from Menifee County had no West Nile virus vaccination history.
This was the third reported West Nile virus case for Kentucky so far in 2017. In 2016 there were only seven reported cases of West Nile virus.
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s West Nile web page includes current and historical geographic reference maps in addition to annual summaries.
