BROOMFIELD, Colo. — Alamosa, La Jara, Conejos, Mineral are among the 35 Colorado counties cases where vesicular stomatitis have been identified: Adams, Arapahoe, Archuleta, Boulder, Broomfield, Chaffee, Delta, Dolores, Douglas, Eagle, El Paso, Fremont, Garfield, Gilpin, Grand, Gunnison, Jefferson, La Plata, Larimer, Las Animas, Mesa, Montezuma, Montrose, Morgan, Ouray, Park, Pueblo, Rio Blanco, San Miguel, Summit, Teller, and Weld. There are currently 18 quarantines remaining in 13 counties. The total count of premises under quarantine for VSV by county is updated regularly on the CDA VSV website, according to a Friday press release from the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

Although the majority of quarantines have been released, many horse and livestock movements are still impacted by VSV import requirements in other states. Many states have very stringent import requirements; for example, animals within 10 miles of a VSV quarantined premises in the previous 30, 60, or 90 days may not enter their state, the release said.  Accredited veterinarians must ensure that horses and livestock meet the import requirements of destination states. Veterinarians can contact the State Veterinarian’s Office at 303-869-9130 with questions regarding health certificates.

Vesicular stomatitis (VSV) is a viral disease that primarily affects cattle, horses, mules, donkeys, swine and occasionally sheep, goats, llamas, and alpacas. Humans are rarely infected with handling infected animals.

Veterinarians and livestock owners contact, Colorado State Veterinarian’s office at 303-869-9130.

Media contact is Mary Peck at 303-869-9005, [email protected].