Vesicular Stomatitis
What is vesicular stomatitis?
Takeaways
- Vesicular stomatitis is a contagious viral disease that causes painful lesions in and around the mouth and other areas.
- It is a reportable disease that outwardly resembles Foot and Mouth Disease. Laboratory testing is required for definitive diagnosis.
- The virus is spread by biting insects, animal-to-animal contact, and on contaminated equipment and surfaces.
Vesicular stomatitis is a contagious viral disease that can affect horses, cattle, and other species. Humans that handle affected animals can become infected, but occurrences are rare. In horses, cases commonly appear in the summer months, especially on properties that are near waterways.
Lesions develop in and around the mouth that burst and create painful ulcers. The incubation period is 2 to 8 days and horses can remain contagious for up to a week after lesions appear.
Although it is usually not life threatening, vesicular stomatitis can have significant financial impacts, from veterinary costs to canceled competitions. National and international movement of horses may be limited, or even halted. Lengthy quarantine periods may be required for affected premises.
Vesicular stomatitis is a reportable disease that occurs sporadically. Outwardly, it can resemble Foot and Mouth Disease, which has been eradicated in the United States and would have significant economic impacts if it were found. Laboratory testing is required to differentiate these and other diseases. Report suspected cases of vesicular stomatitis to a State or Federal animal health authority. Real time alerts and updated information about active cases and quarantines are available through the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC).
What are the clinical signs of vesicular stomatitis?
The primary clinical signs of vesicular stomatitis are blisters on the tongue, nose, lips, and inside the mouth. Lesions may also develop on the udder, sheath, and coronary bands. Horses may exhibit fever, drooling or frothing at the mouth, and not want to eat. Prolonged illness can result in weight loss.
How is vesicular stomatitis diagnosed?
Vesicular stomatitis is diagnosed through blood sample testing for antibodies to the virus. Lesions may also be swabbed and tested for presence of the virus.
How is vesicular stomatitis treated?
There is no cure for vesicular stomatitis. Treatment may include supportive care such as anti-inflammatories and intravenous fluids. Secondary bacterial infections may require antibiotics.
What is the prognosis for vesicular stomatitis?
The prognosis for horses with vesicular stomatitis is generally good, with most cases resolving within a few weeks.
How can vesicular stomatitis be prevented?
The virus is thought to be spread by biting insects (black flies, sand flies, biting midges, etc.), but can also be passed through animal-to-animal contact and on virus-contaminated equipment and surfaces. The virus is present in the lesions, so there is no animal-to-animal spread once lesions are healed.
The best approaches to preventing vesicular stomatitis are to practice good insect and fly control, bring animals in at night to limit interactions with biting insects, separate sick animals, disinfect equipment, and limit animal movement to/from affected facilities.
There are no vaccines for vesicular stomatitis.
For more information
CDFA vesicular stomatitis factsheet
Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) vesicular stomatitis resources
USDA APHIS Vesicular Stomatitis
*This article may not be reproduced without the written consent of the UC Davis Center for Equine Health. Please email requests to cehadmin@ucdavis.edu.