(Albuquerque, New Mexico) – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed today that Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) has been identified in two horses at premises in Sandoval County, New Mexico. The property has been placed under quarantine.

New Mexico is the second state to report VSV this year. Two Texas counties – Kinney and Tom Green – each have a quarantine premises.

The virus can affect horses, cattle, sheep, goats, swine, camelids (alpacas and llamas) and cervids (deer species). Symptoms may include oral lesions, oral blistering and drooling, but please refer to the New Mexico Livestock Board website for more detailed information: https://www.nmlbonline.com/news.

Please be sure to contact your veterinarian if you plan to travel from New Mexico to other states with horses or other livestock. This disease is reportable in New Mexico, meaning animal owners are required to notify USDA or the state veterinarian if your veterinarian suspects VSV.

If you suspect Vesicular Stomatitis Virus, please contact the New Mexico State Veterinarian Dr. Ralph Zimmerman at 505-841-6161 or USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)/USDA-Veterinary Services (VS) at 505-313-8050.