California Mid-State Fair institutes horse health exams ahead of equine competition

PASO ROBLES, Calif. – The California Mid-State Fair issued a press release on Wednesday after Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) was detected in San Luis Obispo County.

Vesicular stomatitis is zoonotic, meaning it can be transferred to humans, but Dr. Eric Anderson with San Luis Obispo County Animal Services detailed that the disease is not fatal in humans despite being contagious.

Dr. Anderson further explained proper hygiene, such as washing your hands and wearing gloves when treating animals, can have a notable impact on the risk of transmission.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has updates on confirmed positive equine tests for VSV in both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

Notably, there is only a single positive confirmed case in each county.

The CDFA has helpful factsheets about VSV in English and Spanish.

The California Mid-State Fair instituted required checks for horses competing in their horse show including either a health check from a veterinarian within 48 hours or an on-site veterinary check.