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National & World Ag News Headlines |
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VSV Continues to Spread Among South Central Kansas Horses
USAgNet - 07/01/2020
The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health is responding to an outbreak of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) that has continued to spread in horses across south central Kansas. VSV was first confirmed in Butler County on June 16 and has
now been confirmed by testing on more than 30 premises in four counties in the region.
All premises with confirmed cases of VSV in horses have been quarantined; in addition, any premises with animals showing clinical signs consistent with VSV are placed on quarantine. More than 60 premises are currently under quarantine in Butler, Cowley,
Sedgwick and Sumner counties. A quarantine for VSV lasts for at least 14 days from the onset of symptoms on the last animal on the premises. Quarantines are not lifted until a veterinarian has examined all susceptible animals on the premises.
VSV is a viral disease which primarily affects horses, but can also affect cattle, sheep, goats, swine, llamas and alpacas. At this time, all confirmed cases of VSV in Kansas are horses, although some cattle have shown clinical signs and confirmatory laboratory
results are pending.
"This outbreak is still very active in south central Kansas, and we encourage all owners of horses and other livestock to continue to be vigilant," Dr. Justin Smith, Animal Health Commissioner said. "Monitor your animals for symptoms of VSV, and be in
communication with your veterinarian if you see anything of concern. The most effective way to slow the spread of this virus is to take aggressive steps to limit exposure to insects that are the primary source of infection."
In horses, VSV is typically characterized by lesions which appear as crusting scabs on the muzzle, lips, ears, coronary bands, or ventral abdomen. Other clinical signs of the disease include fever and the formation of blister-like lesions in the mouth and on the
dental pad, tongue, lips, nostrils, ears, hooves and teats. Infected animals may refuse to eat and drink, which can lead to weight loss. Vesicular stomatitis can be painful for infected animals and costly to their owners. Although it is rare, humans can also become
infected with the disease when handling affected animals, and can develop flu-like symptoms.
The primary way the virus is transmitted is from biting insects like black flies, sand flies and midges. Owners should institute robust measures to reduce flies and other insects where animals are housed. VSV can also be spread by nose-to-nose contact between
animals. The virus itself usually runs its course in five to seven days, and it can take up to an additional seven days for the infected animal to recover from the symptoms. There are no approved vaccines for VSV.
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