State Veterinarian warns livestock owners of Virus Threat

The Tennessee state veterinarian’s office wants to make livestock owners and veterinarians aware of an outbreak of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in several midwestern states.

VSV is a disease of primarily horses and cattle, but can also affect sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, and alpacas, causing blister-like lesions on the skin. In cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, the symptoms are similar to Foot and Mouth Disease. States currently affected are Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.

“Although we do not have any cases of VSV in Tennessee, it’s important that livestock owners remain v...