August 2004

Vesicular Stomatitis In Texas, New Mexico

For the first time since 1998, equine cases of Vesicular stomatitis have been found in Texas and New Mexico. As of June 24, the infected horses were located on 13 different premises. The sites were placed under quarantine.

Vesicular stomatitis is a viral disease that causes fever and blisters around the mouth/muzzle, teats and coronary band. Blisters rupture to leave open sores. Coronary band involvement can cause lameness. Lesions may take up to three weeks to resolve. The disease is spread by flies, with sand flies and black flies suspected to be the most prominent. It can also be spread from animal to animal by shared equipment or direct contact. …