Colorado is the 3rd state to report vesicular stomatitis

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews

Earlier this week, the Colorado Department of Agriculture announced positive vesicular stomatitis (VSV) test results on samples submitted by two horses in County Weld via the National Veterinary Services laboratory.

Both horses live on separate sites in County Weld and have been quarantined. Colorado is the third state to report a confirmed case of VSV (Texas and New Mexico).

Agriculture officials say the two Colorado homes are private residences where horses are the only livestock species present. In the premises of the index, one of the two horses has lesions on the sheath and no history of recent movements on the spot or outside. In the following positive premises, one of the 3 horses has lesions on the lip and tongue with a history of pleasure only near the place two weeks ago and no other recent movement. No other animal present in either location is currently showing clinical signs of VSV. Both premises are in state quarantine and will remain so for at least 14 days from the onset of lesions in the last animal reached on the premises.

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Vesicular stomatitis is a viral disease that mainly affects horses and cattle and sometimes pigs, sheep, goats, llamas and alpacas. VSV transmission is not fully understood, but includes vector insects such as black flies, sand flies and biting midges. The incubation period varies from 2 to 8 days. Clinical signs include vesicles, erosions and thinning of the skin on the muzzle, tongue, teats and coronary bands. Excessive salivation is often the first sign of illness, accompanied by a reluctance to eat or drink. Lameness and weight loss can follow.

Humans can become infected when handling affected animals, but this is a rare event. To avoid human exposure, individuals should use personal protection measures when handling affected animals.

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