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Vesicular Stomatitis found in two Nebraska cattle herds

cattle on stalksThe Nebraska Department of Agriculture reports the livestock disease Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) has been diagnosed in cattle on two farms in Wheeler County in north-central Nebraska.

Nebraska agriculture director Greg Ibach says they are working to determine the source of the disease. And because the disease can be transmitted by nose to nose contact, Ibach says, the department is also taking measures to protect surrounding livestock herds from the disease.

“The two herds that are affected will be quarantined until the symptoms disappear,” Ibach says, “and then there’s a three-week holding period after any symptoms disappear, before they can be released.”

Ibach says the positive diagnosis might trigger animal import regulations in other states. He says producers moving livestock from Nebraska into another state are encouraged to contact the destination state’s state veterinarian office to learn about specific import requirements.

“It shouldn’t be hard for producers to comply with, but they need to be aware of it,” Ibach says.

Nebraska is third state to report cases of VS this year, following Texas and Colorado.

VS is typically transmitted via biting insects and midges. It can cause blisters and sores in the mouth and on the tongue and hooves of horses, cattle, swine and a number of other animals. Producers with animals that might be experiencing those symptoms are urged to contact their veterinarian immediately.

AUDIO: Greg Ibach

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