TEVA_Vesicular Stomatitis

Vesicular Stomatitis By: Piper Norton, DVM, DACVIM and Ben Buchanan, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC ¨ What is it? o VS is a contagious virus that can affect horses, livestock, wildlife, and even humans. ¨ How is it spread? o VS is spread by biting flies and midges, including black flies and sand flies. o VS is also spread by contact: saliva, physical contact, or shared equipment. ¨ What are the clinical signs? o Blister-like lesions on the tongue, mouth, lips, coronary bands, udder, or sheath (see pictures on the right). o Clinical signs usually occur 2-8 days after exposure o The virus usually runs its course in 2 weeks. ¨ How severe is this? o A horse may run a fever during the first 1-2 days but, usually, with treatment, the effects are minimal to moderate with the most common effects being a decreased appetite, weight loss, or cellulitis from the open sores. ¨ Why is it a reportable disease? o Being a vesicular disease (blister-forming), VS looks similar to Foot and Mouth Disease in cattle and therefore all attempts are made to eradicate it from the U.S.. ¨ How is it diagnosed? o If you suspect that your horse may have Vesicular Stomatitis, please contact your veterinarian. From there, your veterinarian may enroll the help of the Texas Animal Health Commission. ¨ What happens if my horse has it? o Your facility may be quarantined to attempt to prevent the spread of the virus. o Protective measures such as gloves and handwashing should be taken to try to ensure that you do not contract the virus. o Fly control and equipment disinfectants are necessary to try to ensure that the virus is not spread to other animals. ¨ Where does it come from? o Sporadic outbreaks in the southwestern US have been linked to central Mexico, where the disease is endemic. In addition, the viral lineages have been unique in each outbreak, indicating that it is not endemic in the United States. The migration of the virus from Mexico is not completely understood.