Vesicular Stomatitis confirmed in eight Colorado counties

Aug 10, 2015

53 total locations have been identified with the disease

Fifty-three locations scattered throughout eight counties in Colorado have been identified as having positive cases of Vesicular Stomatitis (VS).

Archleta, Chaffee, Delta, La Plata, Larimer, Mesa, Montezuma and Montrose counties have all had the presence of VS confirmed.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is encouraging any livestock owners who suspect an animal may have VS to contact their local veterinarian.

“The virus typically causes oral blisters and sores that can be painful causing difficulty in eating and drinking,” said state veterinarian Dr. Keith Roehr. “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.”

Other symptoms can include vesicles, erosions and sloughing of the skin on the muzzle, tongue, teats and above the hooves.

Here are some tips for livestock owners to keep their animals healthy:

Avoid transferring feeding equipment and other tools from other herds
Minimize water sharing
Apply insect repellent daily (especially behind the ears)
Separate any suspected animals from the healthy ones
Do not move animals from the premises until at least 30 days after the last lesion has healed

Animals aren’t the only ones that can be affected by Vesicular Stomatitis.

Livestock owners experiencing symptoms including fever, headache, malaise and blisters in their mouths may have contracted VS. The disease’s course is between four and seven days.

Join the conversation and tell us if you’ve ever had to deal with Vesicular Stomatitis. What measures did you take to ensure the future health of your livestock?

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