Tuesday, July 27th

I think many of you are aware that VSV (vesicular stomatitis virus) is prevalent in many Kansas counties this summer, it has been recently confirmed in Miami county and is creeping toward us. Twin Mill Farm will not be taking any new horses until the threat subsides. Please limit travel with your horses and contact me if you notice any symptoms.

From Dr. Palmer of GP Veterinarians:

VSV is a viral disease that primarily affects horses, also cattle and occasionally swine, sheep, goats, llamas, and alpacas. On rare occasions, humans can also become infected with the disease when handling affected animals, resulting in flu-like symptoms. VSV is known to be an endemic disease in the warmer regions of North, Central, and South America, and outbreaks of the disease in other temperate geographic parts of the hemisphere occur sporadically. Outbreaks usually occur during the warmer months, often along waterways.
Clinical symptoms include blister-like lesions in/around mouth, nose, coronary band, and/or sheath/udders. In horses, VSV appears as crusting scabs on the muzzle, lips, ears, coronary bands, abdomen. Excessive salivation and drooling/frothing at mouth is common as well as fever, reluctance to eat, lameness or laminitis. The primary way the virus is transmitted is from biting insects like black flies, sand flies and midges. Transmission through nose to nose contact with active lesions, saliva, contaminated tack or water tanks can also occur.  Owners should institute aggressive measures to reduce flies and other insects where animals are housed. Incubation period is 2-8 days. The virus itself usually runs its course in five to seven days and it can take up to an additional seven days for the infected animal to recover from the symptoms. There is no vaccine for VSV.
KDA has actively responded to more than 120 other premises in the area with animals showing clinical signs consistent with VSV. All infected premises are placed on quarantine for a minimum of 14 days from the date the last affected animal on the premises developed lesions. Once the state has quarantined a premise, no susceptible livestock will be allowed to move on or off the property.
VSV is a state reportable disease. Per K.S.A 47-622 any person with knowledge of a possible reportable disease is required to report all suspect cases. To report a suspected case please contact a veterinarian who will then contact the state officials. 
 Equine Travel Requirements:

• All horses entering or leaving Kansas are required to have a health paper and examination 48 hours prior to traveling to ensure they are free of the disease.
• Most states (ie: Missouri) are prohibiting any horse from Kansas to enter if they have resided within 10 miles of a quarantined facility in the last 30 days.
• We must contact the destination state by phone to confirm the VSV travel regulations and obtain a permit number for your travel.
• Currently there are no restrictions for traveling within the state of Kansas if you are within the 10 mile radius of a quarantined premise.
• A Certified Veterinary Inspection may or may not be required to travel within the State. It is show/event specific currently.
• Due to confidentiality rules, the state will not publish the addresses of the quarantined premises.
• When preparing your health certificates, we will contact the state to determine if your property is within 10 miles of a quarantined premise.
• These areas can change daily with new cases so horses near these counties will not have a health paper signed until the day of transport.