The number of premises in Texas and Colorado quarantined after horses residing there tested positive for vesicular stomatitis (VS) is dropping.

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 the Sept. 24 update, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has not received confirmation of any new VS cases in that state. Also since last week's update, four Bastrop County premises and all Lee County premises have been released from quarantine and all premises.

To date, 62 premises in 13 Texas counties have been quarantined due to VS. Of the 62 premises, 55 have been released and seven remain under quarantine