Vesicular Stomatitis Confirmed in New Mexico
Posted:
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has just notified New Mexico that a horse in De Baca County has been confirmed as positive for the New Jersey strain of vesicular stomatitis. The premise has been under quarantine in which no other horses have been exhibiting signs.
New Mexico has a long history of this disease. Veterinarians around the state are well versed in reporting the disease and will follow USDA guidelines. Every effort will be made to assure that no animals exhibiting symptoms will be allowed to move.
A number of states have enhanced entry requirements or restrictions to prevent the introduction of the disease. (The
vesicular stomatitis requirements or restrictions are an ADDITION to
entry requirements and do not replace other documentation or testing
requirements routinely required.)
For
instance, Texas now requires a statement on certificates of veterinary
inspection for all livestock entering from New Mexico, due to VS
infection there. The statement is: “The animals represented on this
health certificate have not originated from a premises or area under
quarantine for vesicular stomatitis.” (The accredited veterinarian
also is to state that the animals have been examined and exhibit no
clinical signs of vesicular stomatitis.)
It
is crucial to contact the country or state of destination prior to
shipping or transporting livestock, if you live in Texas or New Mexico.
If you live outside of these states but plan to transport livestock
into Texas or New Mexico and RETURN the animals to the state of origin,
you will need to know the requirements to re-enter your state. Check
with your state prior to traveling to Texas or New Mexico to ensure
compliance with entry requirements in place during the vesicular
stomatitis outbreak.
