| Kentucky thoroughbred latest
victim of West Nile virus
06/28/2002
A thoroughbred horse is the latest victim of the West Nile Virus
in Kentucky.
Officials say the Fayette County yearling colt, which died June
4, had been vaccinated for the disease twice this spring.
The vaccine that was given to the colt is made by Fort Dodge
Animal Health and had been widely used in the thoroughbred industry.
According to Dr. Don Notter, state veterinarian, the
manufacturer?s guidelines were followed in administering the vaccine
to the colt. Some cases that have been reported in Florida show the
vaccine doesn?t provide 100 percent protection for all horses,
Notter said.
Earlier this week, dead birds found in Oldham and Metcalfe
counties also tested positive for the disease.
Mosquitoes that feed on infected birds transmit the virus. Only a
small percentage of people who contract West Nile die from the
disease.
Last year, the virus killed six horses and dozens of birds in
Kentucky. No human cases have been reported.
Web story produced by Lisa Durham
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