New VSV cases seen in Wyoming horses

Posted 8/16/19

CHEYENNE (WNE) — Wyoming’s state veterinarian has confirmed additional cases of Vesicular Stomatitis (VSV), a reportable animal disease, across the state.

Cases were reported in …

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New VSV cases seen in Wyoming horses

Posted

CHEYENNE (WNE) — Wyoming’s state veterinarian has confirmed additional cases of Vesicular Stomatitis (VSV), a reportable animal disease, across the state.

Cases were reported in horses Laramie, Platte and Converse counties. VSV can threaten other livestock species, including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.

The National Veterinary Services Laboratory reported the disease to the Wyoming state veterinarian after testing samples that were submitted by regulatory veterinarians in late July and early August.

The samples came from horses with oral lesions suggestive of VSV. Other potentially affected animals in Platte County are being investigated by Wyoming Livestock Board and United States Department of Agriculture veterinarians.

The main symptoms of VSV are slobbering, blisters, sores and sloughing of skin in the mouth, on the tongue, on the muzzle, inside the ears and on the coronary band above the hooves. Lameness and weight loss may also occur.

VSV-infected horses have been found this year in Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

Flies and midges are the main vectors for VSV. The virus is also spread through direct contact with infected livestock, and indirectly through contact with contaminated equipment and tack. Fly control, including eliminating fly breeding and hiding habitat, is the most important step in preventing the disease. Good sanitation and bio-security measures can help avoid exposure.

Wyoming’s most recent outbreaks of VSV were in 2015, with previous outbreaks in  2005 and ’06.

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