Loading ...Caution Urged in Utah with Livestock Disease Outbreak
Leader Staff
Utah livestock owners are urged to take extra precautions this summer to prevent the spread of Vesicular Stomatitis (VS), a foreign animal disease that is rarely fatal, but can cause economic losses to producers. In unusual cases, Vesicular Stomatitis can be transmitted to humans.
“Currently there is an outbreak of VS in the state of New Mexico, and we are alerting owners of horses, cattle, sheep and other livestock in Utah to take precautions to protect their animals,” said state veterinarian, Dr. Bruce King. “There is no need to alter or cancel any livestock shows or events because of this development in New Mexico,” he added.
Symptoms in humans may include fever, muscle aches, headache and malaise. Vesicles are rare, but can occasionally be found on the mouth, lips or hands. Most people recover without complications in four to seven days. Humans can become infected when handling affected animals, contaminated fomites, tissues, blood or virus cultures. To prevent infection, protective clothing and gloves should be used when handling infected animals.
Livestock owners in Utah are advised to closely monitor the health status of animals that may come in contact with their animals.
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