The board of livestock in New Mexico, US, has issued an emergency rule to limit the spread of vesicular stomatitis, a virus which can cause blister-like lesions in animals.
Under the rule, all livestock events in the state, such as fairs and rodeos, should have a veterinarian on hand to inspect all inbound horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, llamas and alpacas for the virus.
In addition, animals will be allowed entry for the events with a clean physical inspection by a vet, or a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) issued within the previous five days
While vesicular stomatitis is not fatal, it causes blister-like lesions that inhibit an animal's ability to eat and move. The virus can affect horses, cattle and pigs, and occasionally sheep, goats, llamas and alpacas.
Till date, New Mexico is the only state with confirmed cases of the virus, with 30 cases.
