The Kentucky State Veterinarian’s office announced today (Oct. 16) that a Union County horse has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), the tenth confirmed case of the virus in the commonwealth this year.

A statement from Kentucky Equine Programs manager E.S. "Rusty" Ford relayed that the 3-year-old Quarter Horse gelding began showing mild ataxia (incoordination) and fine muscle fasciculation (twitching) on Oct. 11. As of Oct 15, the gelding’s condition was improving, and he has a favorable prognosis for recovery, the statement said.

"Through mid-October, we are continuing to see equine cases of West Nile virus develop, particularly in western Kentucky and in non-vaccinated animals," Ford said. "Each of the 10 cases diagnosed and reported in Kentucky this year involve animals that had not been immunized to prevent infection."

Nine of the WNV-affected horses are reportedly recovering or have recovered; one affected horse was euthanized

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