The Wyoming Livestock Board said a horse’s death in Fremont County was due to vesicular stomatitis (VS).
The contagious virus has led to 128 quarantines across the state. VS has been confirmed in Goshen, Platte, Sublette, Albany, Fremont, Converse, Weston, Natrona and Laramie counties.
VS is a viral disease that affects horses, cattle, and other livestock. It causes blister-like lesions in the mouth, tongue, lips, nostrils, hooves and teats. As a result of the lesions, infected animals may refuse to eat and drink, which can lead to severe weight loss.
State veterinarian Jim Logan said the livestock board is requiring all livestock imported from any state with infected animals to carry a health certificate written within 14 days before entering Wyoming.
States that still have premises under quarantine are Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota and Utah.
Horse Authority (formerly Rate My Horse PRO) champions social change initiatives to improve horse welfare. Since 2010, we’re empowering the equine industry through awareness and knowledge-based tools. Get involved in our horse community for good today because together we can do more to improve horses’ lives.
