Horses have tested positive for Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) in Weld County, Colorado on July 17, 2014. Vesicular Stomatitis is a reportable disease as per the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), meaning that horse owners must immediately report the presence of any horse suspected of being affected by the disease. The disease causes blister-like lesions to be formed on the inside of the mouth, nose and hooves, alongside flu like symptoms and anorexia.

The affected horses in Colorado have no history of travel. The facility was quarantined following the diagnosis. Cases have also been identified in the state of Texas in 2014. No cases have been suspected in Canada.

As a result of the outbreaks in Colorado, the CFIA has issued the following amendments to import and export policies for horses travelling from the United States to Canada effective immediately until further notice. Please note that VS related import restrictions are still in effect for horses from Texas.

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