This message is from: "Frederick J. Pack" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
I felt that this information was so important that I am forwarding it. I was waiting for permission from Shirley, but have not heard from her. The PNFPG group IS on top of the situation and a Vet WILL be at Libby. Fred All Mail is scanned in AND out by Norton Anti-virus 2004. Fred and Lois Pack Pack's Peak Stables Wilkeson, Washington 98396 http://www.geocities.com/friendlyfred98 -----Original Message----- From: Oscar & Shirley Anderson Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2005 10:36 AM Subject: Montana VS outbreak and Libby show As some of you are aware there has been a confirmed case of vesicular stomatitis (VS) in the eastern part of Montana (Yellowstone county), and as of this morning the Billings area. This will adversely affect the Libby Show. Cases have also been confirmed in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona. Although generally not fatal in horses, it is extremely uncomfortable as it causes blister-like lesions that are located in the mouth, dental pad, tongue lips, nostrils, on the coronary bands, or on the teats. Horses are uncomfortable enough that they generally stop eating and severe weight loss usually follows. This can last several weeks as the infected animal heals. I visited with my vet, Roland Hall, this morning and it is his opinion that our show does not need to be cancelled. However there are travel restrictions in effect in the state of Montana. Those restrictions change (from state to state) depending on the origin of the horse, and I will be doing some research as to who and how these restrictions apply. We will have to have a vet on site to give health certificates to horses in preparation for leaving the state of Montana. Although I will continue to pursue this, at this time it appears those health checks need to come within 72 hours of departure. Health certificates bringing your horse into the state will not be accepted to get you out of the state. For information about this outbreak please visit the Department of Livestock web see at <http://www.mt.gov/liv> www.mt.gov/liv . Shirley
