WNV in Kentucky
West Nile virus is transmitted to horses via bites from infected mosquitoes. | Photo: iStock

Another Kentucky horse has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), E.S. Rusty Ford, equine operations consultant for the Kentucky State Veterinarian’s Office, said in a statement Sept. 27. There are now seven confirmed cases of WNV in Kentucky horses this year.

The affected 5-year-old Thoroughbred mare from Woodford County developed clinical signs on Sept. 18. She exhibited facial muscle fasciculation (twitching), hypermetria (a condition in which voluntary muscular movement overreaches the intended goal), profuse sweating throughout body, hyperexcitability, and progressive ataxia in all four limbs, Ford said. The mare was euthanized.

Ford said the mare was “reported as being current with annual vaccination (and) was last vaccinated January 2018

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