In its April 22 Situation Report, the Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed Arizona’s first case of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) for 2020. As a result, one premises in Cochise County is under quarantine. Cochise is Arizona’s southeastern-most county.

The index premises houses two horses and five calves. Only one of the horses has shown clinical signs (oral lesions) of VSV. The signs reportedly appeared around April 16. The calves, which only recently were brought to the premises, show no signs. No other animals have moved onto or off the premises.

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