From the Colorado State Veterinarian's Office

Vesicular Stomatitis Update Summary

• There are currently 2 VS-positive equine premises in Colorado under quarantine
-- The most recent confirmed VS-positive horse is from a premises in Conejos County, Colorado
-- The VS index case for Colorado was in Las Animas County

• There are currently 21 VS-positive premises in New Mexico under quarantine

• Premises are eligible for quarantine release 21 days after lesions have healed in all affected animals

• A total of 38 horses in the U.S. have been VS-positive in 2012; 36 in NM and 2 in CO

Important Points for Veterinarians

1. Any vesicular disease of livestock is reportable to the State Veterinarian’s Office in Colorado – to report call 303-239-4161. If after-hours, call the same number to obtain the phone number of the staff veterinarian on call.

2. Since VS is considered a foreign animal disease, any case with clinical signs consistent with VS will warrant an investigation by a state or federal foreign animal disease diagnostician (FADD).

3. When VS is suspected, the FADD will gather the epidemiological information, take the necessary blood samples, collect the necessary fluid or tissue from the lesions, and inform the owners and the referring veterinarian as to necessary bio-security and movement restrictions.

4. Contact the state of destination when moving livestock interstate to ensure that all entry requirements are met. A list of contact information for all state veterinarians’ offices is available at: http://www.colorado.gov/ag/animals.

Tips for Livestock Owners

1. Strict fly control is an important factor to inhibit the transmission of the disease.

2. Avoid transferring feeding equipment, cleaning tools or health care equipment from other herds.

3. Colorado fairs, livestock exhibitions, and rodeos may institute new entry requirements based on the extent and severity of the current VS outbreak. Be sure to stay informed of any new changes concerning event requirements.

While rare, human cases of VS can occur, usually among those who handle infected animals. VS in humans can cause flu-like symptoms and only rarely includes lesions or blisters.

Veterinarians and livestock owners who suspect an animal may have VS or any other vesicular disease should immediately contact State or Federal animal health authorities. Livestock diagnosed with VS are isolated until they are free from clinical signs of disease and no longer present a risk to other livestock. There are no US Department of Agriculture approved vaccines for VS.

For additional information, contact the Colorado State Veterinarian’s office at 303-239-4161 or visit http://www.colorado.gov/ag/animals

To view the current location of cases and other important updates and information, visit http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/vsv/