Animals Quarantined In Jefferson County After Virus Outbreak

BOULDER, CO — More than 250 animals have been quarantined after a viral disease was discovered in 14 counties, the Colorado Department of Agriculture said. A total of 11 cases were found in Jefferson County, officials said.

Vesicular stomatitis, which primarily affects horses, spreads through insect bites. Cases of the disease have been found in Adams, Archuleta, Boulder, Broomfield, Conejos, Delta, Jefferson, La Plata, Larimer, Mesa, Montezuma, Montrose, Morgan and Weld counties.

A total of 93 cases were confirmed in Larimer County as of Aug. 1, and 48 cases were found in Boulder County, officials said. Weld and La Plata counties had 43 and 42 cases, respectively.

Vesicular stomatitis primarily affects horses and cattle, but can spread to goats, sheep and other livestock. The only bovine case was found in Boulder County. It's rare for humans to contract the disease.

Symptoms of the disease include excessive salivation and blisters around the ears, tongue, muzzle, teats and coronary bands. The disease can cause animals to refuse food and water.

“It is of utmost importance that livestock owners report VSV occurrences and comply with hold or quarantine orders to limit the potential for disease spread in this VSV outbreak,” said Colorado State Veterinarian Keith Roehr.

All cases must be reported to the state veterinarian’s office at 303-869-9130.