11/07/2025
‼️ALERT: Vesicular Stomatitis Virus**
🦠 As of October 31, 2025, Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) has been diagnosed in Arizona. More states may have detections in the coming weeks to months. The detection of VSV in the US triggers emergency import regulations in New York State and others.
🦠 Vesicular stomatitis is a contagious disease of livestock, mainly affecting horses and cattle. Occasionally, this disease can infect swine, sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, and even people. It is primarily transmitted by biting flies and midges. The disease causes blister-like sores, among other side effects.
🦠 Clinical signs appear 2 to 8 days after exposure:
🤤 Drooling or frothing at the mouth
👄 Blister-like lesions can form around
the mouth, nose, sheath, udder, ears,
and coronary bands.
🌡️ Fever (temperature > 101.5°F)
🥕 Reluctance to eat
☣️The Importance of BIOSECURITY!
Isolating new horses before introducing them to your herd.
🦟 Controlling insects on your property
with fly traps, sprays, and clean horse
pens.
🤒 Separating sick horses from healthy
horses on your property.
🧤 Handling healthy animals before sick
animals.
🧼 Washing and disinfecting your hands
and boots after working with sick
animals. If possible, change and wash
your clothes as well.
🛻 The Bottom Line:
ALL interstate travel (both TO and FROM New York) needs to be accompanied by a CVI certificate from an accredited veterinarian - should your horse need to travel interstate, PLEASE discuss this with your veterinarian.
🦠 VSV can move quickly, and animals may not be able to promptly return to New York if it is determined that they are within 10 miles of an affected animal. It is important to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of sending horses to VSV-affected states, and contingency plans should be made in case of a positive detection in a state that they have traveled to.
🔗 To continue to monitor any changes and restrictions in import and exporting your horse: https://agriculture.ny.gov/animals/animal-import-export
📸: Dr. Mary Kenne Lott giving a thumbs up from isolation.
