Utah takes aggressive action to limit the spread of vesicular stomatitis, and recommends that livestock owners throughout Utah limit the movement of their animals and avoid the congregation of animals as much as possible. The quarantine is not intended to influence horses shows or county fairs in the affected area. The quarantine WILL prohibit infected animals from leaving their quarantine area to participate in any show or fair. The presence of VS in Utah means that Canada and several eastern states, including Kentucky, will prohibit the entry of Utah horses. That prohibition remains in affect until 30 days after the occurrence of the last case in the state.
Vesicular stomatitis is a viral disease that primarily affects horses, cattle and swine.
The disease can also affect sheep, goats, llamas, wildlife, and humans. VS sporadically occurs in the United States, typically between late spring and early fall. The disease can be transmitted by insects, as well as by contact with infected animals. VS causes blister-like lesions in the mouth, tongue, lips, nostrils, feet, and teats. The most common clinical sign is drooling or frothing at the mouth.