Cases of vesicular stomatitis virus are now present in five Southwest Missouri counties. The most recent update from USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service indicates the presence of VSV in McDonald County, with horses on three equine facilities quarantined. 19 facilities in four other counties are also under quarantine with confirmed cases, while ten suspected cases in those counties are awaiting test results. The Missouri Department of Agriculture reports test results pending in Ozark and Saint Clair counties.

Randolph County veterinarian Cliff Miller notes that cases continue to spread and cautioned against taking horses to or from that part of the state.

Miller says the disease is generally non-fatal, but will cause noticeable discomfort for infected animals.

Vesicular stomatitis causes blister-like lesions to appear in and around the mouth, nose, and coronary band. Crusting scabs can also appear on a horse’s muzzle, lips and ears. Excessive salivation, fever, and a reluctance to eat are also symptoms.

The current VSV outbreak started in mid-June in Kansas and is also impacting horses in northeastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas. Anyone suspecting VSV in their populations should separate affected animals and call their veterinarian.