The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has confirmed one new case of Vesicular stomatitis (VS) in a horse. The premises is located in Ward County, approximately 30 miles north of Fort Stockton, TX. This is the first case of VS in this county.

The two previously infected herds in Reeves and Pecos County have been released.

The newly identified infected premises is currently under quarantine by the TAHC. Affected horses will be monitored by regulatory personnel until all lesions have healed and a decision is made to release the quarantine (a minimum of 14 days). There is no known exposure to other horses around the state, or at any equine events. It is believed that the virus overwinters in the sand and black fly population in northern Mexico and then moves northward in warmer weather.

Some states and other countries may restrict movement of, or impose additional requirements for susceptible species moving from states with active cases of VS. It is important for shippers or haulers of livestock to contact states of destination well in advance of scheduled movements to determine their entry requirements. For international export information, the USDA Veterinary Services office in Austin, Texas should be contacted.

• For more information about VS, visit the TAHC’s brochure at http://www.tahc.texas.gov/news/brochures/TAHCBrochure_VS.pdf

• The 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 http://www.tahc.texas.gov/agency/TAHC_RegionalOfficeMap_2013.pdf

• The USDA APHIS-VS 2015 Vesicular Stomatitis Situation Report is available at

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/downloads/animal_diseases/vsv/Sitrep_051915.pdf

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.