We’ve been receiving many, many questions here at MVS about Vesicular Stomatits (VS) and the current situation here in Colorado regarding cases of VS. The state vet’s office emailed us some information today and we’re posting it here, along it with some helpful and informative links at the bottom of page for more information.
2014 Vesicular Stomatitis Prevention Guidelines for Shows and Fairs
The Colorado State Veterinarian’s Office is recommending that livestock events exercise extra precautionary measures to minimize the transmission of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). The following strategies should be considered for implementation.
- Participants regardless of origin should, when possible, arrive at the event with a health certificate that was issued within 2-5 days of departure for the event. The health certificate is not a state requirement but has been a prudent precaution to ensure that livestock arrive at the event free of VSV. Event organizers may choose to allow entry of livestock that arrive with a health certificate issued within 2-5 days without a check-in-exam at the entry gate of the facility.
- Some events or venues have chosen to require the issuing veterinarian to also add a VSV statement on the health certificate which would state the following: “I have examined the animal(s) represented on this certificate of veterinary inspection and have found no signs of vesicular stomatitis and they have not originated from a premises under quarantine for vesicular stomatitis.
- Out-of-state participants should check with their state animal health officials to determine the requirements for the return of livestock to their state. A list of contact information for all state animal health officials can be obtained on our website at: www.colorado.gov/ag/animals
- All participating susceptible livestock (arriving without a 2-5 day health certificate) should receive an oral examination for VS lesions upon arrival at the event. Susceptible species include cattle, horses, and swine and occasionally sheep, goats, llamas, and alpacas. A qualified, licensed and accredited veterinarian shall perform the inspection. If any livestock are suspected of VS the animals should be immediately removed from the event and reported to a Colorado animal health official.
Premises control measures during fairs, shows and other events:
- During the event common water and feed sources should be minimized.
- Insect control and abatement are very important in controlling the spread of vesicular stomatitis. Fly wipes, sprays, foggers and other repellents for use on animals and premises should be applied as directed by label instructions.
- Event organizers should regularly observe all susceptible livestock for clinical signs of VSV during the event. Often, excessive salivation is the first sign of the disease. Close examination of the mouth initially reveals blanched and raised vesicles or blister-like lesions in affected livestock. These blister-like lesions can form in the mouth and on the dental pad, tongue, lips, nostrils, hooves, and teats.
If you have further questions or comments please contact the Colorado State Veterinarian’s Office at 303-869-9130.
In addition to this, here are some useful links to GOOD information regarding VS.
USDA/APHIS Fact Sheet on VS
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/content/printable_version/fs_vesicular_stomatitis_2012.pdf
USDA Current Outbreak numbers as of noon Monday, 7/21/14
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/downloads/animal_diseases/vsv/VSV2014_Sitrep%20072114.pdf
USDA Current outbreak positive Map
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/downloads/animal_diseases/vsv/CurrentOverview_EXTERNAL_8x11_port_VSV2014_072114.pdf
The two BEST places to turn for information are the USDA page here:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/portal/aphis/home/?1dmy&urile=wcm%3apath%3a%2Faphis_content_library%2Fsa_our_focus%2Fsa_animal_health%2Fsa_animal_disease_information%2Fsa_equine_health%2Fsa_vesicular_stomatitis%2Fct_vesicular_stomatitis
And the Colorado Department of Agriculture page here:
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&childpagename=ag_Animals%2FCBONLayout&cid=1251630752270&pagename=CBONWrapper
