VSV Confirmed In Fourth Missouri County

A fourth county in Missouri has a confirmed case of a contagious virus infecting horses and other hoofed animals. The latest report from USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service indicates that an operation in Cedar County has confirmed cases of vesicular stomatitis virus in both horses and cattle. The confirmed cattle infection is Missouri’s first. Four more confirmed cases of VSV have been identified in Jasper County, while suspected cases are under investigation in McDonald, Polk and Webster counties.

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. Anyone suspecting VSV in their populations should separate affected animals and call their veterinarian.