KSU Vet: Watch for Vesicular Stomatitis

A Kansas State University (KSU) veterinarian is cautioning residents of Kansas and surrounding states about a contagious viral disease that affects horses and livestock, and can sometimes affect humans.
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A Kansas State University (KSU) veterinarian is cautioning residents of Kansas and surrounding states about a contagious viral disease that affects horses and livestock, and can sometimes affect humans.

At least 240 premises in Colorado and Texas have been quarantined due to vesicular stomatitis, according to the USDA Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service. Outbreaks of this disease usually occur in late summer and early fall in more arid regions.

Although two states are currently affected, Elizabeth Davis, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, professor and section head of equine medicine and surgery at KSU's Veterinary Health Center, says all animal owners need to be cautious when traveling with their animals.

"It's an interesting disease because it does have pretty significant clinical signs," Davis said. "Most commonly, it causes painful oral blisters in horses that can affect the mouth, muzzle, and tongue. Additional signs may include lesions on the udder and/or around the top of the hoof where it meets the hairline. Vesicular stomatitis also can affect mules, donkeys, cattle, bison, swine, sheep, goats, llamas, and alpacas

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