The state’s first animal case of West Nile virus for this year has been confirmed in a goat in Lunenburg, and the Worcester County town was elevated to moderate risk, Massachusetts public health officials said Tuesday.

Bay State health officials are reporting the first confirmed case of West Nile virus in an animal this year, as people are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites. A goat was recently exposed to the virus in Lunenburg in Worcester County, the Department of Public Health announced on Tuesday.

Massachusetts' first animal case of West Nile virus in 2025 has been discovered in Lunenburg, the state Department of Public Health said Tuesday, July 15. The towns of Lunenburg and Shirley as well as the cities of Leominster and Fitchburg are being designated moderate risk for West Nile virus following the confirmed case in a goat.