On May 28, 2014, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) announced that the nation’s first case of vesicular stomatitis (VS) this year involving five horses had been confirmed in Kinney County, Texas (southeast of Del Rio.)
Two additional cases of VS have been confirmed in horses in South Texas.
- On June 5, 2014, one case involving two horses was identified in Hidalgo County (approximately 24 miles northwest of Edinburg, Texas).
- On June 9 VS was confirmed in one horse in Hidalgo County (3 miles northwest of Edinburg).
- These two cases are unrelated.
- Both VS cases tested positive for the New Jersey serotype.
The newly identified infected premises are currently under quarantine by the TAHC. Affected horses will be monitored by regulatory veterinarians until all lesions have healed and a decision is made to release the quarantine (a minimum of 21 days). There is no known exposure to other horses around the state, or at any equine events.
Several states have provided the TAHC with information on enhanced entry requirements they are imposing on Texas livestock (including horses) due to the recently announced VS cases in Texas. For information about these movement restrictions, contact the state or country of destination and/or visit this PDF .
For more information about VS visit http://www.tahc.state.tx.us/news/brochures/TAHCBrochure_VS. pdf. A 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. 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.
