New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health

Memo

To: Veterinarians

From: State Veterinarian Nancy E. Halpern, DVM

Date: May 23, 2005

Re: Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) Update

         As of May 23, 2005, Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) has been confirmed in New Mexico (Grant and Luna Counties), Arizona (Maricopa County), and most recently, Texas (Travis County). This has accounted for a total of 17 equine cases on 11 different premises. The most recent confirmation in Texas occurred after two horses traveled from Travis County, Texas to Yavapai County, Arizona on April 23rd. These horses returned to Travis County, Texas on May 10th with clinical signs of VS including ulcerations on the tip and central portions of the tongue, drooling, and crusty muzzles. All of the positive equine cases in the three states have been the New Jersey strain of VS virus. The infected premise has been placed under quarantine.

1. The animals have been examined and found free of evidence of vesicular stomatits;
2. During the 30 days prior to shipment, the animals have not been within 10 miles of any premise on which vesicular stomatitis has been diagnosed within 60 days;
3. The animals have not been exposed to any animal which has been vaccinated with vesicular stomatits vaccine, of any kind, within the last 30 days; and
4. The animals must have a negative test (CELISA, CF, SN) for vesicular stomatitis performed by an approved laboratory within 10 days of shipment.

     Website: New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health