Vesicular Stomatitis

When did this become a problem?

The Arizona Department of Agriculture confirmed three cases of Vesicular Stomatitis in horses, one in Wittmann, Arizona and the other two near Camp Verde, Arizona the first week of May. The premises where these three cases were discovered were all quarantined. Another case was discovered in Grant County, New Mexico at the end of April.

How does this disease work?

This disease causes blister-like lesions to form in the mouth and on the dental pad, tongue, lips, nostrils, hooves, and teats. These blisters swell and break, leaving raw tissue that is so painful that infected animals generally refuse to eat or drink and show signs of lameness. Severe weight loss usually follows, and in dairy cows, a severe drop in milk production commonly occurs. Affected dairy cattle can appear to be normal and will continue to eat about half of their feed intake.

Why is this important?

While vesicular stomatitis can cause economic losses to livestock producers, it is a particularly significant disease because its outward signs are similar to (although generally less severe than) those of foot-and-mouth disease, a foreign animal disease of cloven-hoofed animals that was eradicated from the United States in 1929. The clinical signs of vesicular stomatitis are also similar to those of swine vesicular disease, another foreign animal disease. The only way to tell these diseases apart is through laboratory tests.

Can humans “get it”?

Humans can also become infected with vesicular stomatitis when handling affected animals. However, we have no human cases to report.

Which animals are most susceptible?

Horses, swine and cattle are most at risk. However, other animals may also contract the disease.

Has this disease been found in the U.S. before?

Last year, Texas, New Mexico and Colorado had a problem with V.S., but Arizona managed to escape without any cases. This year, Arizona is the second state to detect the disease, which occurs normally on 5 to 8 year cycles.

Why is this occurring now?

Vesicular stomatitis is most likely to occur during warm months in the Southwest, particularly along riverways and in valleys. The Southwestern United States experienced a vesicular stomatitis outbreak from May 1998 through January 1999.

How is this disease handled?

The following actions have been recommended to all owners involved in these three cases.

• Separate animals with lesions from healthy animals, preferably by stabling. Animals on pastures apparently are affected more frequently with this disease.

• As a precautionary measure, do not move animals from premises affected by vesicular.

stomatitis—unless they are going directly to slaughter—for at least 30 days after the last lesion found has healed.

• Implement on-farm insect control programs that include the elimination or reduction of insect breeding areas and the use of insecticide sprays or insecticide-treated eartags on animals.

• Use protective measures when handling affected animals to avoid human exposure to this disease.

Are there any cases near me?

This is a map which is updated weekly, of the cases found throughout the United States.