High Plains Dressage

Welcome to our Web site. High Plains Dressage (HPD) is a chapter of the Rocky Mountain Dressage Society.

Next High Plains Dressage Chapter Meeting Thursday, July 15th - 6:30pm at Grill on the Hill in Franktown, CO

NOTE CHANGE OF USUAL TUESDAY MEETING DATE. July 15th meeting will be located at Grill on the Hill, 7517 E Highway 86, Franktown, CO. We will discuss OPEN POSITION for the High Plains Dressage Chapter President at this meeting.

Click here for 05/18/2010 Meeting Minutes.
Click here for 01/18/2010 Meeting Minutes.

PRESS RELEASE: From Wyoming State Veterinarian Concerning Vesicular Stomatitis Confirmed in Arizona

For Immediate Release: June 4, 2010

Vesicular Stomatitis Confirmed in Arizona

Vesicular Stomatitis, which is a reportable and quarantine-able disease in Wyoming, has been confirmed in livestock in Arizona. Arizona is the only state affected by VS so far in 2010. To protect the Wyoming livestock industry from exposure to the disease, precautionary measures on livestock imported from an affected state are being put into effect.

Effective immediately, all livestock entering Wyoming from an affected state must be accompanied by a health certificate stating that: "The animals have not originated from premises or areas under quarantine for Vesicular Stomatitis (VS), and are not known to have been exposed to any VS infected animals." The health certificate must be issued within 72 hours of shipment.

Wyoming State Veterinarian, Dr. Jim Logan, urges horse owners to consider altering their schedules if plans include traveling to areas affected by the disease. Additionally, if you or someone you know is intending to import animals from Arizona to Wyoming, please be aware of the movement restrictions, and share this knowledge with others.

Vesicular Stomatitis is a sporadic disease characterized by blister-like lesions on the tongue, lips, faces, and soft skin areas of ungulate animals. VS has an incubation period of one (1) to eight (8) days. Infected animals develop blisters that swell and burst, leaving painful sores. Horses and cattle are generally the most severely affected.

Transmission of VS is not fully understood. However, it is known that the disease may be spread from animal to animal or by biting insects.
Infected animals can also spread the virus when their saliva or fluid from ruptured blisters contaminates feed or water. VS infections usually run their course in two (2) to three (3) weeks, at which time animals begin healing. During the course of the disease, animals may refuse to eat or drink.

VS is not a disease of humans, although there have been occasional reports of mild flu-like signs by individuals working closely with affected animals.

Contact your veterinarian if there is a suspicion of VS in your livestock.

For further information, please contact Dr. Jim Logan, State Veterinarian, at (307) 857-4140, or Dr. Chris Strang, WLSB Field Veterinarian, at (307) 256-4019.

Click here for more details.