The Kentucky State Veterinarian’s office announced Oct. 1 that two additional horses—one from Montgomery County and one from Nelson County—have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), bringing the commonwealth’s total for the year to six.

In a statement Kentucky Equine Programs manager E.S. "Rusty" Ford relayed that Montgomery County horse—a 5-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse gelding—presented Sept. 24 with hind limb ataxia, general weakness, and muscle fasciculation (twitching) on and around shoulder area. As of Oct. 1, the horse’s condition was stable.

Meanwhile, the Nelson County horse—a 10-year-old Appaloosa stallion—first developed mild neurologic signs, described as facial muscle fasciculation, back in May. Ford’s statement said that, as of Oct. 1, the horse continues to display recurring clinical signs.

Neither horse has a WNV vaccination history, the statement said

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