As summer approaches, the Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health encourages horse owners to take proactive steps to prevent the transmission of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), an equine disease that is common in the summer months. VSV is transmitted by insect vectors, and recent years have seen an increase in cases of VSV in Kansas.

If you own horses or take care of horses, this is the time of year to be vigilant in changes to your animal care routine to prevent introduction of VSV. Consider these best practices in your horse care this summer:

• Strict fly control. VSV is primarily spread by blackflies and midges.

• Keep pens clean. Remove manure and use appropriate fly sprays and traps.

• Keep it dim. Minimize bright lights that attract insects at night.

• Regular checks. Regularly inspect horses for symptoms that might indicate VSV, such as blister-like lesions, fever, excessive salivation, reluctance to eat or lameness.

• Keep them separate. If you travel to events with horses from other properties, keep your horses separated. Don’t tie them up with other horses. Don’t share equipment, tools, tack or water buckets.

Help keep VSV out

Kansas experienced a significant outbreak of VSV in 2020, with positive cases on more than100 premises in 26 counties. Other species including cattle can be susceptible to VSV, although it is primarily an equine disease. VSV is a reportable disease by state law; if there is a concern of a possible VSV infection or another reportable disease, call the Kansas Animal Health Commissioner at the KDA Division of Animal Health.

Putting these best practices into action now can protect horses across the state, and assist the Kansas equine industry in disease prevention to help avoid an outbreak this summer. Visit agriculture.ks.gov/vsv for more information about VSV symptoms and prevention.

Source: The Kansas Department of Agriculture is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.