Home HEALTH Vesicular Stomatitis Virus confirmed in Boulder, Broomfield counties – Colorado Hometown Weekly

Vesicular Stomatitis Virus confirmed in Boulder, Broomfield counties – Colorado Hometown Weekly

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Vesicular Stomatitis Virus confirmed in Boulder, Broomfield counties – Colorado Hometown Weekly

Confirmed cases of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) have spread to Boulder, Broomfield and Larimer counties, Colorado Department of Agriculture officials said Friday. The equine virus first was diagnosed in Weld County in early July.

According to a statement from the Colorado Department of Agriculture, all confirmed cases to date have been in horses and have been found in Adams, Boulder, Broomfield, La Plata, Larimer and Weld counties.

VSV is a viral disease that primarily affects horses and cattle, and occasionally swine, sheep, goats, llamas and alpacas.

A horse infected with vesicular stomatitis has extensive erosion of the lip.

In Boulder county, 11 cases currently are in quarantine, one in Broomfield County and 18 in Larimer County. In total, 50 cases have been confirmed in the state. Two of those have recovered and been released from quarantine.

The first case was reported on July 3 in Weld County by a field veterinarian with the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s State Veterinarian’s office. As of July 8, three states have confirmed VSV-positive cases, including Texas and New Mexico.

The statement said the transmission process is not completely understood, but includes insect vectors such as black flies, sand flies and biting midges.

The incubation period ranges from two to eight days and clinical signs include blister-like lesions on the skin, erosions and sloughing of the skin on the muzzle, tongue, ears, teats and coronary bands.

Officials said often excessive salivation is the first sign of disease, along with a reluctance to eat or drink, and lameness and weight loss may follow.

“Humans may become infected when handling affected animals, but this is a rare event,” according to the statement. “To avoid human exposure, individuals should use personal protective measures when handling affected animals.”

According to the statement, there is no USDA approved vaccine for VSV.

Officials said veterinarians and livestock owners should contact the state of destination when moving livestock interstate to ensure all import-requirements have been met.

For more information, visit www.colorado.gov/aganimals/vesicular-stomatitis-virus-vsv.

Veterinarians and livestock owners may contact the Colorado State Veterinarian’s Office by calling 303-869-9130.

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