Livestock health officials also are collecting blood and tissue samples from sick animals in a South Texas feedyard, and from feeder cattle in South-Central and Central Texas. Furthermore, state veterinarians in Colorado, Kansas and Oklahoma have issued embargoes against Texas livestock that are susceptible to the disease, including sheep, goats, pigs, cattle and deer. In addition to becoming lame, the animals are unable to eat and become emaciated. Young animals may die. The US has never used the vaccine, as the country's last outbreak of the disease occurred in 1929.
Vaccinated animals can test positive for life.
In countries battling an outbreak, the vaccine is usually used to create a barrier around affected areas, to stop the spread of the virus, she said. Despite short-term economic losses to producers, the statewide quarantine and embargoes are reasonable and prudent action to slow this economically devastating disease. Strict controls are essential for containing this disease, so that we can stop the movement of animals incubating the virus. Indemnity payments will be provided for animals destroyed. The slaughter order includes a herd of about 20 infected goats pastured about a mile west of the infected swine herd.