Animal health officials in Colorado and Texas are still receiving reports of equine vesicular stomatitis (VS) cases.

The viral disease can cause blisters and sores in the mouth and on the tongue, muzzle, teats, or hooves of horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, llamas, and a number of other animals. Lesions usually will heal in two or three weeks. Because of the contagious nature of VS and its resemblance to other diseases such as foot and mouth disease, animal health officials urge livestock owners and caretakers to report these symptoms to their veterinarian immediately. Most animals recover well with supportive care by a veterinarian, but some lesions can be painful.

Texas—Since Sept. 10, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has received confirmation of three new equine VS cases. One premises is located 3 miles north of Bastrop in Bastrop County, one is located 5 miles east of Bastrop in Bastrop County, and the other is located 10 miles northeast of Giddings in Lee County, the first case reported in this county. Also since Sept. 10, seven premises have been released in Bastrop County, and one premises in Travis County has been released.

The newly identified infected premises are currently quarantined. Affected horses will be monitored by regulatory veterinarians while under quarantine. Premises are eligible for quarantine release 21 days after all lesions have healed