California Travel Restrictions UPDATED 5-8-15

California Travel Restrictions UPDATED 5-8-15

May 5, 2015


Dr. Perry Durham

Arizona State Veterinarian

Arizona Department of Agriculture

1688 West Adams Street

Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Dear Dr. Durham:
Subject: Vesicular Stomatitis Requirements for Importing Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Goats, and Swine into California
  All horses, cattle, sheep, goats and swine *originating from any state where vesicular stomatitis (VS) has been diagnosed since April 29,2015, (except cattle and swine transported directly to slaughter) must be accompanied by a health certificate (certificate of veterinary inspection) and signed by an accredited veterinarian that includes the following statement:
"I have examined all the animals identified on this certificate and found them to be free from signs of Vesicular Stomatitis (VS). During the last thirty (30) days, these animals have not been exposed to VS nor located within a 10 mile radius of a premises where VS has been diagnosed."
  *For purposes of this requirement, "originating" means horses, cattle, sheep, goats and swine that initially leave the VS infected state and come to California, or those that leave any state, visit an infected state, and then return to California.

The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) has no additional requirements, at this time, on horses coming from a VS-infected area to enter race tracks and/or CHRB-approved training centers. For more information, contact CHRB at (916) 263-6000.

Sincerely,

Annette Jones, D.V.M.

California State Veterinarian

cc: Dr. Rick Arthur, Equine Medical Director, CHRB

BIOSECURITY measures

Biosecurity

Posted on May 4, 2015 by PJDurham



In light of the fact we have been bitten by the VSV bug recently, here are some quick points to keep in mind.

If you’re hosting an event, consider requiring a vet check within 2-5 days of arrival, or have all entrants examined by a vet upon entry to the grounds.

Minimize the sharing of water, equipment, and tack; apply insect repellent daily, and closely observing animals for signs of disease.

The Center for Food Security and Public Health has a "Fast Facts on VSV".

There’s a handy "Risk Calculator" from the University of Guelph.

And the folks in CA Dept of Food & Agriculture created a very detailed Biosecurity Toolkit for Equine Events.

Be careful out there!

UPDATE IN VSV OUTBREAK

UPDATE ON VSV OUTBREAK
Via Dr Perry Durham, Arizona State Veterinarian
Maricopa County
...

On April 26, 2015, the Arizona State Veterinarian’s Office received a report of a horse and a steer showing blister-type mouth lesions. A Foreign Animal Disease Investigation was initiated and diagnostic samples were submitted for testing. Test results received on April 28, 2015 were positive for Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) and negative for other potential vesicular diseases.
Since confirmation of that initial case, an additional 24 suspected cases have been reported.
These locations are in the northeast portion of Maricopa County. As suspicion of VSV is reportable to the State Veterinarian, all affected premises are under quarantine. The largest number of cases have been found around the Rio Verde area.
A community meeting for horse owners in the Rio Verde area will be held 6pm, May 8, 2015 at the Chaparral Veterinary Medical Center. AZ State Veterinarian, Dr. Perry Durham will provide information on VSV disease, prevention, and control.
Yavapai County
We do now have a suspect case in the Camp Verde area as well. Please note, historically VSV has often appeared along the Verde River basin. Also note some states implement restrictions on a county basis. Folks traveling out of state with livestock should call officials at the state of destination to determine what requirements are needed.
Turf Paradise
An equine was transported from Rio Verde to Turf Paradise on May 1, 2015 to be examined by a veterinarian. Lesions consistent with VSV were discovered. The equine was immediately isolated away from other horses by the veterinarian. The equine has been returned to owner’s property, which was placed under quarantine. Racing authorities in other states have been notified and are implementing responses.
Utah VSV
Utah State Veterinarian has quarantined VSV affected horses and mule from Arizona as well as eight other exposed horses. Only the horses that traveled from the Rio Verde area of Arizona to Utah have shown VSV lesions.