Vesicular Stomatitis Update: Number of Texas Horses Affected Now Up to 13

Texas Animal Health Commission

On May 28, 2014, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) announced that the nation’s first case of Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) this year involving five horses had been confirmed in Kinney County, TX (southeast of Del Rio.)

Two additional cases of VS in horses in Hidalgo County in South Texas were announced last week. One case involved two horses approximately 24 miles northwest of Edinburg. The other case was confirmed in one horse three miles northwest of Edinburg.

On June 17, two new cases of VS were confirmed in three horses in San Patricio County in South Texas. One case involved two horses located approximately 7 ½ miles southeast of Mathis. The other case is located approximately 7 miles southeast of Mathis. Both VS cases tested positive for the New Jersey serotype.

The newly identified infected premises are currently under quarantine by the TAHC. Affected horses will be monitored by regulatory veterinarians while under quarantine. Premises are eligible for quarantine release 21 days after all lesions have healed. There is no known exposure to other horses around the state, or at any equine events.

Several states have provided the TAHC with information on enhanced entry requirements they are imposing on Texas livestock (including horses) due to the recently announced VS cases in Texas. For information about these movement restrictions, contact the state or country of destination and/or visit http://www.tahc.texas.gov/news/2014-06-05_StateRestrictionsOnTX_VS.pdf.

For more information about VS visit http://www.tahc.state.tx.us/news/brochures/TAHCBrochure_VS.pdf. A USDA APHIS-VS fact sheet is available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/content/printable_version/fs_vesicular_stomatitis_2012.pdf

For additional information call 512-719-0700 or contact your local TAHC region office.

Founded in 1893, the Texas Animal Health Commission works to protect the health of all Texas livestock, including: cattle, swine, poultry, sheep, goats, equine animals, and exotic livestock. The TAHC strives to keep Texas’ livestock disease free, ultimately allowing for better marketability and commerce.