Twenty-six Colorado premises remain under quarantine after horses and cows tested positive for vesicular stomatitis (VS), the state Department of Agriculture announced Dec. 18. Meanwhile, 344 previously affected premises in that state have been released from quarantine.

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.

“We have reached a milestone in the VS outbreak; this last week revealed no new cases of VS in Colorado," said state veterinarian Keith Roehr, DVM. "That does not mean that the outbreak is over as we continue to manage the quarantined premises and it is possible there could be additional new cases but the outbreak is certainly winding down. Please continue to be vigilant for the clinical signs of the disease and report any suspicious cases to the state veterinarian’s office