The Kentucky State Veterinarian’s office has announced that two horses—one from Barren County and one from Hardin County—have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The two are the first equine WNV cases confirmed in the commonwealth this year.

In a statement Kentucky Equine Programs manager E.S. "Rusty" Ford said both cases were confirmed late on Aug. 26.

The Barren County horse, an unvaccinated 5-year-old Racking Horse mare, began showing signs of disease on Aug. 22, Ford’s statement said. She exhibited some hind-limb ataxia (incoordination), constant facial muscle fasciculation (twitching), some body muscle fasciculation, and hypersensitivity to touch, sound, and sudden movements. As of Aug. 26, the attending veterinarian reported that the mare’s condition was improving.

Meanwhile, the Hardin County horse also began showing signs on disease on Aug. 22. The unvaccinated 11-year-old Quarter Horse mare presented with ataxia in all four limbs (more pronounced in rear limbs), lower lip paresis, and lethargy. Also as of Aug. 26, that horse’s attending veterinarian reported that her condition was improving