The 1982 outbreak was typical, beginning in May in Arizona, and eventually affecting livestock in 14 states as far north as Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. In 1995, the outbreak began in May in New Mexico, with the first cases reported in horses. By October, the virus had spread to 300 locations, affecting 350 animals in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.
VS attacks horses, cattle, swine, and wildlife, causing sores inside the animals' mouths and on their feet. The disease occurs more often in horses. After VS is detected, animals are quarantined and transporting them is prohibited.
During the 1995 outbreak, New Mexico alone lost $14 million in rodeo and horse show revenue, because animals could not be moved from the affected areas. To protect their own animals, 39 other states restricted animal movement from states where the disease had been confirmed.
Scientists suspect that VS is carried by biting flies -- mostly mosquitos, biting midges, and black flies. Confined animals, like stabled horses, are more likely to contract the disease.
Cleanliness and common sense can go a long way in protecting confined animals.
- Control flies and other insects with approved methods.
- Remove any trash, rocks, or other debris that may cause injury to animals' feet.
- Feed soft, quality feed to avoid injuring animals' mouths.
- Clean manure from pastures and paddocks regularly.
If you suspect an animal has VS, contact a veterinarian immediatetly for proper diagnosis. VS has similar symptoms and can often be confused with foot-and-mouth disease, a highly contagious disease that is often fatal in cattle.
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