The Kentucky State Veterinarian’s office announced Oct. 11 that a Warren County horse has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV).

A statement from Kentucky Equine Programs manager E.S. "Rusty" Ford relayed that on Oct. 6 the 2-year-old Standardbred gelding—who has no WNV vaccination history—began showing mild ataxia (incoordination) that progressively worsened in rear limbs over 72 hours. The horse also developed partial facial paralysis.

As of Oct 11, the gelding’s condition was improving and he had resumed eating and drinking, Ford’s statement said.

The most recent case is the ninth equine WNV case confirmed this year in eight Kentucky counties: Calloway, Christian, Edmonson, Graves (2), Hopkins, Lincoln, Todd, Warren. Eight of the WNV-affected horses are reportedly recovering or have recovered; one affected horse was euthanized. None of the affected horses had been vaccinated against WNV

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