Vesicular Stomatitis In Texas
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Vesicular stomatitis (VS) has been identified in a horse in south Texas. This viral disease is highly infectious and is a concern for various reasons.
Horses are often the first animals affected when an outbreak of VS develops. A quick response can help prevent the virus from spilling over into other species. It's a particular concern in cattle and sheep because VS can look very similar to foot and mouth disease, a tremendously important foreign disease that can have a devastating economic impact (just ask anyone from the UK). Even though it is not usually fatal, vesicular stomatitis can also result in severely decreased production in food animals, and therefore also have a significant economic impact.
The impact of VS on infected horses varies. It causes painful blisters (most commonly on the upper surface of the tongue, surface of the lips and around nostrils, corners of the mouth and the gums) which can limit the use of the horse for a period of time (although infected horses can't compete anyway because the must be strictly quarantined). Some horses may be too sore to eat or drink normally, and therefore require supportive care. In unusual situations, the lesions are so severe that euthanasia is elected.
Vesicular stomatitis is a reportable disease in the US, and identification of this case has prompted a rapid outbreak investigation and response. The last outbreak, in 2006, was contained to 17 horses and 12 cattle in Wyoming. A much larger outbreak in 2005 infected livestock on at least 445 premises in 9 states. To help keep this virus contained, restrictions on livestock movement are promptly implemented. Infected animals and their herdmates are quarantined, neighbouring farms may be investigated and/or quarantined, and people are put on the alert to look for more cases. A fast response and cooperation of horse owners is critical. A major concern is that people may have horses that develop vesicular stomatitis but don't tell anyone because that want to avoid being quarantined. This type of situation can prevent containment of the problem and lead to ongoing transmission and even bigger problems in the long run. Good communication and cooperation are essential.
Image from: http://www.newsinfo.colostate.edu
