The original premise of five horses remains under quarantine. No new cases of Vesicular Stomatitis have been identified in the immediate area or elsewhere in the state of New Mexico. A NMLB veterinarian and inspectors inspected all livestock within a one mile radius of the index premise. There were 128 horses and 24 head of cattle examined on 18 premises.

According to the New Mexico state veterinarian, based on the current findings of vesicular stomatitis in the area: All livestock leaving Otero County will be required to have an inspection by a veterinarian within seven days of transport if they are traveling to a public event such as roping, racing, breeding or other forms of public exhibition or traveling interstate.

The Texas Animal Health Commission prohibits entry of animals from VS-quarantined premises, and also requires livestock to be accompanied by a valid certificate of veterinary inspection.

VS can cause blisters and sores in the mouth and on the tongue, muzzle, teats or hooves of horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, llamas and a number of other animals. Lesions usually will heal in two or three weeks. Because the signs of VS mimic those of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), animal health officials strongly urge livestock owners and caretakers to report potential cases of VS to their private veterinary practitioner or state livestock health officials.

TAHC officials encourage livestock owners to use the best means possible to limit exposure of their livestock to insect bites.  It is theorized that insects are an important vector in the transmission of VS.