In its July 7 Situation Report, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed a new Buffalo County equine premises with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). This is the county’s second affected premises. The state’s (and Buffalo County’s) index case was confirmed on June 24 .

Veterinarians quarantine and monitor premises with confirmed positive and suspect cases for at least 14 days from the onset of lesions in the last animal affected.

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