Nebraska

Confirmed cases of vesicular stomatitis in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana have prompted the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) to issue a revised importation order to help prevent the spread of the disease into Nebraska. The revised importation order took effect on Aug. 18, 2005.

"The health and safety of the Nebraska herd is of the utmost importance in our state," said State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Hughes. "Vesicular Stomatitis resembles foot-and-mouth disease in the early stages, and I ask that all producers continue to be vigilant when importing animals into Nebraska."

Vesicular stomatitis is a viral disease characterized by fever and the formation of vesicles (blisters) in the mouth, nostrils, hooves and teats. When the blisters break, there is usually salivation, nasal discharge and anorexia. In three to four days, the animal will recover. Vesicular stomatitis primarily affects horses, cattle, and swine and occasionally affects sheep and goats.

The order is in addition to the requirements found in the current Animal Importation Regulations (Title 23 NAC, Chapter 2). The revised NDA Order states:

--All imports of equine (including horses, donkeys, mules, etc.), bovine (including cattle, bison, etc.), sheep, goats, swine, cervidae (including elk, deer, etc.) and camilids (including camels, llama, alpaca, etc.) from any state which has had a confirmed vesicular stomatitis positive animal shall obtain a pre-entry permit prior to import into Nebraska, and this permit number shall be listed on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI); and

--The following statement shall be written on the CVI by the issuing veterinarian: "The animals represented on this CVI have not originated from a premises or area under quarantine for vesicular stomatitis or a premises on which vesicular stomatitis has been diagnosed in the last 30 days. I have examined the animals and found no signs of vesicular stomatitis;" and

--Animals entering Nebraska for exhibition purposes shall have been examined by an accredited veterinarian with in 48 hours of importation into Nebraska and so stated on the CVI.

"The revised importation order will affect exhibitors from states with confirmed cases of vesicular stomatitis, who plan to exhibit, show or participate in the Nebraska State Fair or any other exhibition in Nebraska, including rodeos," said Dr. Hughes.

Those with questions in regard to the revised importation order should contact NDA's Bureau of Animal Industry by calling 800-572-2437.

Date: 8/24/05