Financial impact of the 1995 outbreak of vesicular stomatitis on 16 beef ranches in Colorado

Abstract

Objective: To determine financial impact of an outbreak of vesicular stomatitis in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado.

Design: Survey and financial analysis.

Sample population: 16 ranchers whose beef herds were affected by the 1995 outbreak.

Procedure: Information concerning financial effects during the outbreak year was collected by personal interview of each rancher and examination of financial records.

Results: Affected herds ranged from 79 to 956 cows (mean, 345). Cow case-fatality rates ranged from 0 to 80%, with calf case-fatality rates ranging from 0 to 28% and overall case-fatality rates of 0 to 15%. Median financial loss was $7,818/ranch and mean financial loss was $15,565/ranch, excluding total financial losses associated with sale of calves. Primary financial losses for these beef herds were attributed to increased culling rates, death of pregnant cows, loss of income from calves, and costs for additional labor during the outbreak. Some costs were attributable to a decrease in market price for beef and a drought during the year after the outbreak.

Clinical implications: Financial losses for an outbreak of vesicular stomatitis can be attributed to effects of the disease and costs associated with imposed quarantines.