Published Date: 2012-06-22 09:31:34
Subject: PRO/AH/EDR> Vesicular stomatitis, equine - USA (03): (NM)
Archive Number: 20120622.1177178

VESICULAR STOMATITIS, EQUINE - USA (03): (NEW MEXICO)
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Date: Thu 21 Jun 2012
Source: Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) [edited]
http://www.tahc.state.tx.us/news/pr/2012/2012-06-21_NewMexicoVSCases.pdf


New Mexico reports more cases of vesicular stomatitis
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In May [2012], vesicular stomatitis (VS) was detected in 2 horses in Otero County in New Mexico. The horses were sampled after vesicular lesions were observed on both animals.

To date, 11 premises are now under quarantine. The counties of Otero, Valencia, Socorro, and San Miguel have confirmed positive VS cases. The counties of Dona Ana and Roosevelt have also had suspect cases. The counties of Bernalillo and Santa Fe are considered high risk for cases of VS.

According to the New Mexico State Veterinarian, based on the current findings of VS in the area: Where out of state livestock are a part of a public event such as roping, racing, breeding, or other forms of public exhibition or traveling interstate, a health certificate (CVI: certificate of veterinary inspection) written within 5 days of entering the show will be required for all New Mexico origin livestock. The following statement is to appear on the CVI: "The animals represented on this certificate have not originated from a premises or area under quarantine for vesicular stomatitis (VS), or a premises on which VS has been diagnosed in the past 21 days. I have examined these animals and have not observed lesions or clinical signs of VS."

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) prohibits entry of animals from VS quarantined premises, and also requires livestock to be accompanied by a valid certificate of veterinary inspection.

VS can cause blisters and sores in the mouth and on the tongue, muzzle, teats, or hooves of horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, llamas, and a number of other animals. Lesions usually will heal in 2 or 3 weeks. Because the signs of VS mimic those of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), animal health officials strongly urge livestock owners and caretakers to report potential cases of VS to their private veterinary practitioner or state livestock health officials.

TAHC officials encourage livestock owners to use the best means possible to limit exposure of their livestock to insect bites. It is theorized that insects are an important vector in the transmission of VS.

For more information on Texas entry requirements, visit http://www.tahc.state.tx.us/regs/entry.html or call 1-800-550-8242 and ask for the Permits Department.

A USDA APHIS-VS fact sheet about vesicular stomatitis is available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/content/printable_version/fs_vesicular_stomatitis_2012.pdf.

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Communicated by:
Bonnie Ramirez
TAHC
<bonnie.ramirez@tahc.state.tx.us>

[The outbreak of VS in New Mexico was noted in April 2012. New Mexico issued a release on 18 Jun 2012 for recommendations for owners. It may be found at http://www.nmlbonline.com/documents/VS%20Recommendations%206-18-12.pdf. This link does provide some helpful information, as does USDA APHIS-VS fact sheet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/content/printable_version/fs_vesicular_stomatitis_2012.pdf.

The state of New Mexico can be located on the HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map at http://healthmap.org/r/1EP1. A county map can be seen at http://www.digital-topo-maps.com/county-map/new-mexico.shtml. - Mod.TG]

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