By Katie Flynn, BVMS, MRCVS

On June 21, 2019, the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa, confirmed vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection (Indiana serotype) on a premises in Kinney County, Texas. VSV-Indiana serotype has not been diagnosed in the U.S. since 1998; all VSV cases from 2004-2016 have been VSV-New Jersey serotype. Since this detection, the virus has been confirmed in Tom Green County, Texas and Sandoval County, New Mexico. For the latest information and VS Fact Sheet visit: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/VS.html

Any animal displaying signs compatible with vesicular stomatitis should be reported to your local CDFA AHB district office for investigation. A foreign animal disease diagnostician will be sent to the premises to examine the animal, collect appropriate samples, and conduct an epidemiologic investigation. The suspect animal will be quarantined until laboratory results determine the vesicular stomatitis status.

Requirements for Importing Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Goats and Swine into California from a Vesicular Stomatitis Affected State: All horses, cattle, sheep, goats and swine *originating from any state where vesicular stomatitis (VS) has been diagnosed (except cattle and swine transported directly to slaughter) must be accompanied by a health certificate (certificate of veterinary inspection) and signed by an accredited veterinarian that includes the following statement:

“I have examined all the animals identified on this certificate within 72 hours of shipment date and found them to be free from signs of Vesicular Stomatitis (VS). During the last thirty (30) days, these animals have not been exposed to VS nor located on a VS confirmed or a VS suspected premises.”

*For purposes of this requirement, “originating” means horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and swine that initially leave the VS infected state and come to California, or those that leave any state, visit an infected state, and then return to California. The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) currently has no additional requirements on horses coming from a VS infected area to enter race tracks and/or CHRB-approved training centers. For more information, contact CHRB at 916-263-6000.