Kentucky officials have reported the first identified case equine case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the state for 2014. The affected horse, a 5-year-old located in Calloway County in the southwestern area of Kentucky, was euthanized on September 2.

The horse presented neurologic clinical signs related to WNV on Aug. 31, including lethargy, muscle fasciculation (twitching), and recumbency with the inability to rise. Murray State University’s Breathitt Veterinary Center confirmed the horse’s diagnosis.

“The diagnosis does serve as a reminder that WNV circulates in this region and that precautionary measures to minimize exposure to the virus should be taken,” said Rusty Ford, equine programs manager with the Kentucky Office State of State Veterinarian, in a statement. “Additionally horsemen may consider consulting their private veterinarians to determine if there is need to stimulate immunity in their horses to achieve desired protection.”