Notification was received earlier today that horses residing on a premises in Kinney County, Texas, have been diagnosed with Vesicular Stomatitis (VS). With the notification received, Kentucky State Veterinarian Robert Stout, through Kentucky’s Administrative Regulation 302 KAR 20:115, now prohibits entry of all livestock, wild and exotic animals into Kentucky originating from any Texas premises currently under quarantine as a result of confirmed or suspected cases of vesicular stomatitis. Additionally, any such animal that has been on premises currently quarantined for VS during the 30 days prior to entry is prohibited entry into Kentucky.
Dr. Dee Ellis, Texas Animal Health Commission’s (TAHC) Executive Director and State Veterinarian, has provided information describing the geographic environment, premises, and information pertaining to the affected and cohort animals. Based on the epidemiologic information made available to us, we have concluded no further restrictions (beyond those implemented by TAHC) are needed at this time.
Individuals who have equine currently in export quarantine, or are planning exportations should immediately contact the USDA supervising personnel to determine if any additional testing or certifications are being required by the Country the animals are being prepared to ship to.
We will continue to monitor developments, so please note these restrictions are subject to change without advance notice. Updates can be found at www.kyagr.com/statevet/
For more information contact E.S. Rusty Ford, Equine Programs Manager, Office of Kentucky State Veterinarian, 502-564-3956, Rusty1.ford@ky.gov.
