Horse diagnosed with West Nile virus

EATONTON - A 19-year-old quarterhorse gelding has been diagnosed with the West Nile virus after the animal suffering from an abnormal appetite and lethargy. <br> <br> Dr. Jennifer Proctor of Piedmont Animal Service in Gray said the symptoms were present July 9 and the horse was examined the next day. <br> <br> Proctor said the owners had noticed unusual twitching in the facial area and that the horse was yawning excessively. Those are some of the more prominent symptoms of this disease. <br> <br> ``Since the horse was placed on medication, he has started to eat regularly and is symptom free. We were very fortunate to start the horse on medications as early as we did,&#39;&#39; she said. <br> <br> The West Nile Virus affects the gray matter of the brain tissue in an animal, causing signs related to the central nervous system that can lead to death. <br> <br> Last year, 68 horses were diagnosed as having the West Nile virus.