USDA Officials Confirm 63 Newly Affected Vesicular Stomatitis Premises

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed on Sept. 12 that seven states remain affected by vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV): Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. However, officials have not confirmed any new counties as being VSV-positive.

Since its last Situation Report on Sept. 5, the USDA has identified 63 new VSV-affected premises, with 18 confirmed positive and 45 suspect horses.

Also since the Sept. 5 Situation Report, the following confirmed or suspect premises have been released from quarantine:

• Colorado: 66
• Nebraska: 2
• New Mexico: 1
• Texas: 11
• Utah: 4
• Wyoming: 5

VS 101

Vesicular stomatitis virus 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 heal in two or three weeks.

Because of the virus’ contagious nature 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 with supportive care by a veterinarian.

“Vesicular stomatitis has been confirmed only in the Western Hemisphere,” APHIS said on its website. “It is known to be an endemic disease in the warmer regions of North, Central, and South America, and outbreaks of the disease in other temperate geographic parts of the hemisphere occur sporadically. The Southwestern and Western United States have experienced a number of vesicular stomatitis outbreaks, (and) the most recent and largest VS outbreak occurred in 2015. Outbreaks usually occur during the warmer months, often along waterways.”

Some states and countries might restrict movement of, or impose additional requirements for, susceptible animals from states having known VS cases. Before moving livestock, contact the state of destination for its requirements.