West Nile Virus Found In Some Aborted Fetuses In Kentucky

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Evidence of West Nile virus (WNV) has been found in the tissues of a small number of aborted equine fetuses in Kentucky, according to a press release issued Monday by the Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners. Tests were performed at the University of Kentucky's Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center, and some of the results have been confirmed by other laboratories.

According to the release, WNV has not been known to cause abortion mares. Due to the increased surveillance of any equine abortions in the past two years following outbreaks of mare reproductive loss syndrome, the center has increased efforts to identify causes for these abortions and is performing .

The center is in the process of contacting referring veterinarians in regard to these confirmed positives, and to ascertain the vaccination and health status of the mares in question.

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