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Livestock illness hitting Midwest, has sickened animals in Missouri


Livestock owners are being advised to look out for signs of a disease that has affected horses, cattle and other animals in several Midwest states. (File)
Livestock owners are being advised to look out for signs of a disease that has affected horses, cattle and other animals in several Midwest states. (File)
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Livestock owners are being advised to look out for signs of a disease that has affected horses, cattle and other animals in several Midwest states.

Missouri State Veterinarian Dr. Steve Strubberg announced the state’s first case of vesicular stomatitis virus, or VSV, in a horse in Newton County on July 14.

Missouri was the seventh state to have confirmed the virus this year. It has sickened livestock across the country in multiple states including Arizona, New Mexico, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Officials say VSV primarily affects horses and cattle, but it can also sicken sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, and alpacas. The disease is typically transmitted by biting insects and causes blister-like lesions on the skin.

According to the Missouri Department of Agriculture, there is no specific treatment or cure for the virus, and they recommend separating affected animals from the rest of the herd and implementing on-farm insect control programs.

The virus usually runs its course in two weeks, but it can take up to two months for lesions on an animal to fully heal.

VSV is not a new virus and most livestock undergo viral vaccinations regularly, but the state advises farmers to be wary anytime cases are detected.

Humans can contract VSV by coming into contact with lesions, saliva, or nasal secretions from infected animals. In humans, the disease causes an flu-like illness with fever, muscle aches, and headache, officials said.

As of Aug. 5, the Missouri Department of Agriculture has reported cases in seven counties in the state. A department spokesperson confirmed on Aug. 7 a case in Camden County.

Livestock owners should contact a veterinarian if they spot lesions on their animals.

As a preventative measure, Missouri has required a veterinary examination, Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) and an Entry Permit for hooved animals entering the state from affected areas.



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