August 26, 2005

US North Dakota farmers advised to help prevent vesicular stomatitis

US farmers in North Dakota State were urged by local authorities to help prevent the spread of vesicular stomatitis (VS), a serious livestock disease.

North Dakota authorities have confirmed that VS had recently hit Montana and Wyoming States, and strongly advised local farmers to avoid moving animals to or from Montana or any states with confirmed cases of the disease.

In addition, pre-entry inspections were required for all animals coming into or returning to North Dakota from states with positive VS cases, as well as a health certificate with a permit number, local authorities said.

VS mostly affected cattle, horses, swine, and occasionally, sheep and goats.