Virginia, Kentucky Confirm New Equine WNV Cases

This is the first equine West Nile virus case in Virginia this year; Kentucky’s case total rises to three.
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Animal health officials in Virginia have confirmed the commonwealth’s first equine case of West Nile virus (WNV) for 2013. Further west, officials say a third Kentucky horse has tested positive for the virus.

According to a Sept. 12 statement from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), the affected Russell County horse had been vaccinated for WNV two weeks prior to becoming ill. The horse is receiving supportive therapy, the statement indicated. In 2012, Virginia reported only one confirmed equine WNV case.

Meanwhile in Kentucky, a 6-year-old Standardbred gelding from Todd County tested positive for WNV on Sept. 11, according to a statement from Kentucky Equine Programs Manager E.S. "Rusty" Ford.

Ford’s statement indicated that the affected horse presented with a fever on Sept. 2; his condition subsequently worsened. On Sept. 7, the horse exhibited hind limb ataxia and inappetence, and on Sept. 8 he became recumbent. As of Sept. 11, the horse was described as "up and walking with some improvement noted

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Written by:

Erica Larson, former news editor for The Horse, holds a degree in journalism with an external specialty in equine science from Michigan State University in East Lansing. A Massachusetts native, she grew up in the saddle and has dabbled in a variety of disciplines including foxhunting, saddle seat, and mounted games. Currently, Erica competes in eventing with her OTTB, Dorado.

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