Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) officials reported Sept. 20 that a Boyle County horse was tested at the University of Kentucky’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UKVDL) based on detectable WNv-specific IgM antibodies and diagnosed Sept. 16 with West Nile virus (WNV). The affected horse, an unvaccinated 7-year-old Paint gelding, presented with mild ataxia (incoordination) that was slightly more pronounced in his front limbs. The horse’s attending veterinarian reported that the horse continues to respond and has a favorable prognosis.

Other states that have confirmed equine WNV cases include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Washington.

About West Nile Virus

WNV transmission occurs when infected mosquitoes feed on animals, as well as humans, after having fed on infected birds