VS is spread by saliva and blood - hence drinking tanks
or biting insects can be the vector, as can examining
the mouth of a succession of horses. ( So having the
vet check each mouth is NOT a good idea). Currently the
states with outbreaks are New Mexico and Arizona. Any
horse traveling from these states must have a current
certificate of health.
Dr. Kearley felt the chance of someone bringing a
horse that was infected to a ride was remote, as the
horse would be already ill and unlikely to compete
in an endurance ride. As for eliminating water tanks,
he felt that it would be complicated to do but
didn't give a recommendation for or against this
precaution.
So- what to do about water tanks is still a
question...Ann & The Salsa Guys.