Kentucky West Nile Virus Update 8/30

On August 30, 1 equine was confirmed as affected with West Nile Virus in Jessamine County.

The horse is a yearling Thoroughbred colt. Onset date was 8/21, and the horse presented on 8/25 with gait deficiency, progressively worsened becoming ataxic with muscle fasciculations noted. On 8/30, the horse was described as much improved, and it is currently alive. It has no current WNV vaccination history. 

The Department of Agriculture's Equine West Nile page (www.kyagr.com/statevet/documents/2025-KY-Equine-West-Nile-Virus.pdf)  is updated to include this 5th confirmed equine WNv for 2025. The summary information is being shared with our stakeholders and the general public will be made aware by posting to the EDCC.

E.S. Rusty Ford

Rusty.ford@ky.gov

Equine Operations Consultant

Office State Veterinarian

KY Department Agriculture

502/782-5924