SASKATOON, Sask. – Horses entering Canada from the United States now require a veterinary inspection at the border, following a disease outbreak in southern United States, said Agriculture Canada officials.
Vesicular stomatitis was diagnosed at the end of May in New Mexico. Cases in Arizona and Colorado followed, said George Luterbach in a news release.
American farms where the disease has been identified are under quarantine and livestock from these states cannot be certified in Canada.
British Columbia, Alberta and regions in the American Midwest are most at risk of the disease because of travel to the U.S. and the potential spread by insect bites, said Luterbach.
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The symptoms are similar to foot and mouth disease. Blister-like lesions form in the mouth, nostrils, hooves and teats. The blisters break, leaving raw tissue so painful that infected animals generally refuse to eat or drink, and become lame. Severe weight loss usually follows and in dairy cows, a severe drop in milk production occurs.
First signs of VS occur two to eight days after exposure. Often, excessive saliva is the first sign. Body temperature may rise when lesions first appear.
Insects may spread disease
Scientists are uncertain how VS spreads, but suspect insects, sharing of needles during vaccination and movement of animals are responsible. Once introduced in a herd, the disease is transmitted through direct contact with saliva and fluid from sores.
In the United States, VS typically occurs from spring to fall, but disappears during the first killing frost.There is no specific treatment or cure for VS.
Veterinary inspection is available by appointment at the following western Canadian border points: Emerson, Man., Boissevain, Man., North Portal, Sask., Regway, Sask. and Monchy, Sask.
Inspection and overtime fees will be charged.
