09/29/05 Viral disease found in two Idaho horses

Vesicular stomatitis has been confirmed in two horses at a Montpelier ranch, making it the first instance of the viral disease to show up in Idaho. Idaho State Department of Agriculture spokesman Wayne Hoffman says his agency is one of those involved in the investigation. HOFFMAN "We have on the ground people from the state Department of Agriculture as well as from the US Department of Agriculture. They've quarantined the ranch and are trying to determine the origin of this virus." Vesicular stomatitus causes blisters on the tongue, lips, teats and sometimes the feet of livestock, obviously including horses. It can cause the loss of condition or production, is spread by flies and direct animal contact or by contact with animal secretions. Hoffman says they are warning animal owners to be careful about moving livestock into or out of states where the virus has been identified. Additionally, livestock owners should check with their state of destination for import requirements prior to interstate movement. These are the first cases in Idaho, the nearest premises where the disease has been identified is 75 miles away in Wyoming. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott