Forty-four Colorado premises remain under quarantine after horses and cows tested positive for vesicular stomatitis (VS), the state Department of Agriculture announced Nov. 19. Meanwhile, 320 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 continue to see some new cases of VS even with the colder fall weather that we have experienced in Colorado," said state veterinarian Keith Roehr, DVM. "This is not unusual when a disease outbreak is winding down, hopefully the incidence of this disease will continue to trend downward. Please continue to be vigilant for the clinical signs of the disease and report any suspicious cases to the state veterinarian’s office