Source:
Ohio Department of Agriculture
The Ohio Department of Agriculture confirmed West Nile Virus (WNV) in a 5-year-old Standardbred mare from Ashtabula County. The horse began showing signs on Friday August 24, 2018. The horse had been weak and recumbent but was able to rise with assistance. A serum sample was collected and submitted to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) on August 25, 2018. On August 26, 2018 the owner opted to euthanize the horse due to the poor prognosis. The horse was not vaccinated against WNV. NVSL reported an IgM capture ELISA titer of 1:400 or greater on August 28th suggesting recent exposure to WNV. This is the first horse to test positive for West Nile Virus in Ashtabula County, and ninth in Ohio this year. A 2-year-old thoroughbred filly from Geauga County began showing signs facial fasciculation as well as hypersensitivity to touch and sound on August 25th. A serum sample was collected and submitted to National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) on August 25th. The horse was treated and appears to be recovering as of September 5th. The horse was not vaccinated against WNV. The NVSL reported an IgM capture ELISA titer of 1:400 or greater on August 28th, suggesting recent exposure to WNV. This is the first horse to test positive for WNV in Geauga County. A 5-year-old quarter horse gelding from Champaign County had posterior paresis and overall weakness. Symptoms progressed to a low-grade temperature of 102° and facial fasciculation. The horse was not vaccinated against WNV. A serum sample was sent it to NVSL for testing on August 28th reported a Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test Positive >=1:100 for WNV. The horse was treated and appears to be recovering slowly as of September 5th. This is the first horse to test positive for West Nile Virus in Champaign County.