WNV in Ohio
West Nile is transmitted to horses via bites from infected mosquitoes. | Photo: G Bohne/Wikimedia Commons

A third horse in Holmes County, Ohio, has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), the Equine Disease Communication Center reported. This is the eighth confirmed case of WNV in Ohio horses thus far in 2018, according to EDCC data.

“A 16-year-old pony mare began showing signs on Aug. 25, including abnormal gait and refusing to bear weight,” the EDCC said. “On Aug. 27, the emergency equine veterinarian was called out. Upon arrival the veterinarian noticed that the pony was laterally recumbent, tachycardic (increased heart rate), and had a fever of 105.8°F.

“Blood was drawn for testing and the owner opted to euthanize the animal,” the EDCC continued. “The sample was submitted to the University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory on Aug. 29 and tested positive for West Nile Virus by IgM capture ELISA testing on Aug. 31

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