Colorado VS: 53 Locations in Eight Counties Quarantined

As of Aug. 5, the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s (CDA) State Veterinarian’s Office has 53 locations in eight counties under quarantine after horses, mules, and cattle herds tested positive for vesicular stomatitis (VS). A number of species are susceptible to VS, including horses, mules, cattle, bison, sheep, goats, pigs, and camelids. The clinical signs of the disease include vesicles, erosions, and sloughing of the skin on the muzzle, tongue, and teats and above the hooves of susceptible livestock. Vesicles are usually only seen early in the course of the disease. “While we cannot disclose the exact location of the infected livestock, it is not very contagious from animal to animal,” said State Veterinarian Keith Roehr, DVM. “The primary method of spread is through insect vectors, primarily biting flies. The key to remember is to take steps to reduce the fly populations near livestock. “The virus typically causes oral blisters and sores that can be painful causing difficulty in eating and drinking,” he continued. “We are closing in on the fair and show season and we want to remind livestock owners to practice vigilant disease mitigation practices to protect their animals.”...more