New cases of vesicular stomatitis virus, or VSV, have been reported in horses in southwestern Colorado as the larger outbreak continues across the Southwest. What is vesicular stomatitis in horses? How does VSV spread? What symptoms should horse owners watch for, and what happens when an equine property is placed under quarantine? In this video, we explain the current vesicular stomatitis outbreak, including the affected Colorado counties and the latest case numbers reported by federal animal-health officials. We also discuss how biting midges, black flies, and sand flies may spread the virus—even to horses that have never left their property. You will learn: The early symptoms of vesicular stomatitis in horses Why excessive drooling and mouth sores should not be ignored Where VSV lesions can appear besides the mouth How biting insects and contaminated equipment may spread the virus Why vesicular stomatitis is a reportable equine disease What confirmed and presumptive-positive cases mean How quarantines help control an outbreak What horse owners can do to reduce exposure Why you should call your veterinarian before transporting a symptomatic horse Vesicular stomatitis can cause painful blisters and ulcers on a horse’s lips, tongue, gums, muzzle, coronary bands, ears, sheath, or udder. Affected horses may drool excessively, struggle to eat, drop feed, or become lame. There is no specific antiviral treatment for VSV. Veterinary care generally focuses on pain management, hydration, nutrition, supportive care, and preventing secondary infections. Most horses recover, but healing may take several weeks. If your horse develops unexplained drooling, difficulty eating, blister-like lesions, or sudden lameness associated with coronary-band sores, isolate the horse and contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not transport a horse with suspicious symptoms without calling ahead. This video is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Outbreak figures and movement requirements can change, so always consult your veterinarian and state animal-health officials for current guidance. Have you changed your fly-control, biosecurity, or travel procedures because of the vesicular stomatitis outbreak? Share your thoughts in the comments. 00:00 Vesicular Stomatitis Outbreak in Horses 01:30 New VSV Cases Confirmed in Colorado 01:28 What Is Vesicular Stomatitis in Horses? 02:30 How Does Vesicular Stomatitis Spread? 03:12 Symptoms of VSV in Horses 03:30 What to Do if Your Horse Shows Symptoms 06:00 How Vesicular Stomatitis Is Diagnosed 07:05 VSV Quarantine Rules Explained 08:02 How to Protect Your Horse From VSV 09:12 Vesicular Stomatitis Treatment and Recovery 10:04 Can Humans Contract Vesicular Stomatitis? 10:42 What Horse Owners Need to Know Please like, subscribe, and share this video with another horse owner. Early recognition and responsible biosecurity may help protect an entire equine community. #VesicularStomatitis #VSVOutbreak #HorseHealth #EquineDisease #HorseOwners Sources and footnotes: [1] USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service — Vesicular Stomatitis Virus [2] USDA APHIS — Vesicular Stomatitis Situation Report, July 24, 2026 [3] Equine Disease Communication Center — Current Equine Disease Alerts [4] Equine Disease Communication Center — Vesicular Stomatitis: Signs, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention [5] Colorado Department of Agriculture — Vesicular Stomatitis Virus [6] Colorado Horse Forum — New Cases of Vesicular Stomatitis Confirmed in Southwest Colorado This video is for educational purposes and constitutes Fair Use under Section 107 of the US Copyright Act of 1976. Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes of education, research, criticism, comment, and news reporting. This video is fully transformative and created in accordance with YouTube’s Content Reuse Policy under the Content Reuse Act. It includes original narration, commentary, educational context, visual edits, and added value through storytelling and analysis. No content is simply re-uploaded. #horse #horses #horsecare #horsenews #equestrian