Vesicular
Stomatitis Confirmed in Arizona
Vesicular
Stomatitis, which is a reportable and quarantine-able disease in Wyoming,
has been confirmed in livestock in Arizona. Arizona is the only state
affected by VS so far in 2010. To protect the Wyoming livestock industry
from exposure to the disease, precautionary measures on livestock imported
from an affected state are being put into effect.
Effective
immediately, all livestock entering Wyoming from an affected state must be
accompanied by a health certificate stating that: "The animals have
not originated from premises or areas under quarantine for Vesicular
Stomatitis (VS), and are not known to have been exposed to any VS infected
animals." The health certificate must be issued within 72 hours of
shipment.
Wyoming
State Veterinarian, Dr. Jim Logan, urges horse owners to consider altering
their schedules if plans include traveling to areas affected by the
disease. Additionally, if you or someone you know is intending to import
animals from Arizona to Wyoming, please be aware of the movement
restrictions, and share this knowledge with others.
Vesicular
Stomatitis is a sporadic disease characterized by blister-like lesions on
the tongue, lips, faces, and soft skin areas of ungulate animals.
VS
has an incubation period of one (1) to eight (8) days. Infected animals
develop blisters that swell and burst, leaving painful sores. Horses and
cattle are generally the most severely affected.
Transmission
of VS is not fully understood. However, it is known that the disease may
be spread from animal to animal or by biting insects.
Infected
animals can also spread the virus when their saliva or fluid from ruptured
blisters contaminates feed or water. VS infections usually run their
course in two (2) to three (3) weeks, at which time animals begin healing.
During the course of the disease, animals may refuse to eat or drink.
VS
is not a disease of humans, although there have been occasional reports of
mild flu-like signs by individuals working closely with affected animals.
Contact
your veterinarian if there is a suspicion of VS in your livestock.
For
further information, please contact Dr. Jim Logan, State Veterinarian, at
(307) 857-4140, or Dr. Chris Strang, WLSB Field Veterinarian, at (307)
256-4019.
