Texas, Wyoming Report New Cases of VSV

Signs of VSV, such as blisters and sores on the mouth, tongue, muzzle and the coronary band above the hooves, can appear similar to those for foot and mouth disease (FMD).
Signs of VSV, such as blisters and sores on the mouth, tongue, muzzle and the coronary band above the hooves, can appear similar to those for foot and mouth disease (FMD).
(Colorado State University)

As the summer progresses, insect-borne vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) appeared in Wyoming for the first time this year and spread to new premises in Texas. Animal-health officials have confirmed the livestock disease in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and now Wyoming so far this summer. Most of the cases this year have occurred in horses, although some cattle have been affected.

The National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa confirmed Wyoming’s 2019 index case of VSV on July 24, 2019, based on samples from an equine premises in Platte County.

In Texas last week, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) reported 11 new confirmed cases of VSV. These include:

  • Two new VSV-infected equine premises have been confirmed in Bastrop County.
  • One new VSV-infected equine premises has been confirmed in Brown County.
  • Two new VSV-infected equine premises in Travis County.
  • One new VSV-infected equine premises in Hood County.
  • Two new VSV-infected equine premises in Palo Pinto County.
  • Two new VSV-infected equine premises in Somervell County.
  • One new VSV-infected equine premises in Shackelford County.

To date, 31 premises in 16 Texas counties have been confirmed with VSV.The newly confirmed premises are under quarantine by the TAHC. Affected horses will be monitored by regulatory and authorized veterinarians until premises are eligible for quarantine release 14 days after clinical VSV signs are observed.

According to TAHC, VSV normally has an incubation period of 2-8 days before the infected animal develops blisters that swell and burst, leaving painful sores. The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or by blood-feeding insects.

TAHC reminds veterinarians that if they suspect a client’s animal has VSV, the veterinarians should contact their TAHC Region Office for paperwork, procedures, and important sample submission information. Also, several states are imposing enhanced entry requirements on Texas livestock due to the VSV cases.

For information, contact the state of destination. For a list of state animal health offices visit this U.S. Animal Health Association website.

For more on VSV and other emerging cattle diseases, see these articles from BovineVetOnline:

Summer Brings Risk of Vesicular Stomatitis

IIAD tests system for response disease outbreak

ISU Offers Online Animal Disease Emergencies Course

One-health Approach Helps Address Zoonotic Disease

 

 

 

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