Colorado Vesicular Stomatitis Outbreak
Vesicular Stomatitis
November 15, 2015
Numerous outbreaks of Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) have been reported this summer and fall in horses around northern Colorado.
Vesicular Stomatitis is a virus that causes ulcers or sores in the mouth and tongue and sloughing of the skin around the hooves, muzzle, and ears. This virus is spread mainly through flies but can also be transmitted through contact with saliva or nasal discharge. VS is highly infectious and is required to be reported to state and federal health agencies. Quarantines are put in place anytime there is an animal with suspected VS.
Fly control is the most important step in preventing VS in your own animals, ie: using fly spray, fly masks and sheets. It is also important to keep your horses separated from others and not sharing things like tack or watering troughs.
Vesicular Stomatitis is a virus that causes ulcers or sores in the mouth and tongue and sloughing of the skin around the hooves, muzzle, and ears. This virus is spread mainly through flies but can also be transmitted through contact with saliva or nasal discharge. VS is highly infectious and is required to be reported to state and federal health agencies. Quarantines are put in place anytime there is an animal with suspected VS.
Fly control is the most important step in preventing VS in your own animals, ie: using fly spray, fly masks and sheets. It is also important to keep your horses separated from others and not sharing things like tack or watering troughs.
