Disease threatens state’s livestock

The rules restrict importing hoofed animals, such as cattle and horses, from areas near confirmed cases of the viral disease vesicular stomatitis.

“Tennessee is a destination for livestock and has major transportation routes which intersect the state in all directions,” state veterinarian Dr. Ron Wilson said in a statement. “It’s important that we move to protect our livestock industry from the threat of diseases. These rules are being imposed upon all hoofed animals entering Tennessee from areas having confirmed cases of vesicular stomatitis.”

The rules ban importing hoofed animals from an area within 10 miles of a confirmed case of the disease. Animals from within 100 miles of an outbreak must be certified healthy by a veterinarian, have tested negative for the infection within 10 days of shipment, get an entry permit and be quarantined for 14 days after they arrive in Tennessee and then be inspected again by a vet.

Cases of the disease have been reported this year in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Utah.

Vesicular stomatitis is viral disease primarily affecting cattle, horses and swine and occasionally sheep and goats. Its symptoms are similar to foot and mouth disease, including blister-like lesions in the mouth, nostrils and hooves.

Humans may also become infected if sick animals are handled.

The disease occurs sporadically. In 1982-83, the country suffered its worst recorded VS outbreak when cases were confirmed on 617 sites in nine states in western states.

Tennessee is among the nation’s largest producers of beef cattle and horses.

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On the Net:

Tennessee Department of Agriculture: http://www.tennessee.gov/agriculture