State officials have placed a Mesa County ranch under quarantine after finding that over a dozen livestock had a serious and viral contagious disease that could jeopardize other livestock and wildlife.

Last week, state wildlife officials seized 20 exotic sheep and 16 feral hogs from a trailer that was heading to Collbran's Little Creek Ranch. The driver of the vehicle didn’t have the permits the law required, officials said.

The animals were tested positive for pseudorabies, a viral disease most prevalent in swine, often causing newborn piglets to die, and which doesn’t appear in humans. Pseudorabies threatens reproduction.

According to the Division of Wildlife, the situation should be resolved soon because, if not, the contagious disease could pose a threat to livestock, wildlife, and pets living in the area.

"We were able to move them to a location where they didn't have any exposure to wildlife or domestic swine," Keith Roehr, the assistant state veterinarian, said while being interviewed. "We are now able to identify and contain and prevent further exposure."

The farm where the animals were being transported is licensed by Colorado as a commercial wildlife park. Little Creek Ranch existed already when regulations banning the importation or possession of wild boar and feral hogs were issued. However, it must comply with requirements regarding the health of animals. The ranch has now received a citation for having fence violations.

The Division of Wildlife is looking forward to testing the animals of the ranch, as they may test positive for Pseudorabies.