Thursday, July 23, 2015 - Vesicular stomatitis (VS), a reportable disease which can affect equines, cattle, bison, sheep, goats, pigs and camelid, is again appearing in some western states.
Last summer, 435 VS cases were confirmed on 435 premises in Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, and Texas. This year there have already been almost 50 confirmed or suspected premises in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah.
The virus is spread primarily by insect vectors, and fly control is a key component in preventing spread of the virus. Clinical signs of the disease include vesicles, erosions, and sloughing of the skin on the muzzle, tongue, teats and above the hooves.
Producers encountering such signs of VS should consult their veterinarian immediately.
Learn more Here
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) offers weekly VS updates and information on the disease on its vesicular stomatitis website.