Import permit required for horses from states affected by vesicular stomatitis

PIERRE, S.D. – Vesicular stomatitis, a reportable disease of livestock, has been confirmed in horses in Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming.

Effective immediately, all horses entering South Dakota from states with active quarantines for vesicular stomatitis must have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI or health certificate) and a telephone permit number which will be issued to veterinarians who call the Animal Industry Board office at 605-773-3321.

Other states that have previously been affected by vesicular stomatitis in 2015 include Utah, Arizona and Texas. These states have all released quarantined premises at this time and import permits for horses are not required for movement into S.D.

Vesicular stomatitis is a sporadic, re-emerging disease characterized by blister-like lesions on the tongue, lips and soft skin areas of hooved animals. Vesicular stomatitis has an incubation period of one to eight days. Infected animals develop blisters that swell and burst, leaving painful sores.

Transmission of vesicular stomatitis is not fully understood; however, it is known that the disease may be spread from animal to animal or by biting insects. Infected animals can also spread the virus when saliva or fluid from ruptured blisters contaminates feed, water or hay shared within herds. Infections usually run their course in two to three weeks, at which time animals begin healing. Vesicular stomatitis outbreaks usually end with the seasonal freeze.

Vesicular stomatitis cases may lead to export restrictions on susceptible animals, both interstate and internationally. Vesicular stomatitis may cause flu-like illness in people who are in direct contact with affected animals. Contact your veterinarian if there is a suspicion of vesicular stomatitis in your livestock.