Vesicular stomatitis

Vesicular stomatitis is a viral disease primarily affecting horses, cattle, and pigs. The disease is caused by the Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), a member of the family Rhabdoviridae. It is characterized by fever, vesicles, and ulcers in the mouth and on the tongue, teats, and coronary bands of the hooves.

Etiology

The causative agent of vesicular stomatitis is the Vesicular stomatitis virus. This virus is a member of the genus Vesiculovirus and the family Rhabdoviridae. The virus is enveloped and has a bullet-shaped morphology. The genome is a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA.

Epidemiology

Vesicular stomatitis occurs in the Americas, from the United States to South America. The disease is endemic in many Central American and Caribbean countries. Outbreaks in the United States occur sporadically and are most common in the southwestern states. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infected animals or by insect vectors such as black flies, sand flies, and mosquitoes.

Clinical Signs and Diagnosis

Clinical signs of vesicular stomatitis include fever, excessive salivation, and the formation of vesicles and ulcers in the mouth and on the tongue, teats, and coronary bands of the hooves. In severe cases, the disease can cause lameness and weight loss. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and confirmed by laboratory testing, including virus isolation, serology, and molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Treatment and Control

There is no specific treatment for vesicular stomatitis. Management of the disease involves supportive care, including rest, hydration, and pain management. Control measures include quarantine of affected animals, insect control, and strict biosecurity practices. Vaccines are available in some countries, but their use is limited due to concerns about differentiation between vaccinated and infected animals.

See Also

• Foot-and-mouth disease
• Swine vesicular disease
• Seneca Valley virus

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