Meddleton Equine Hospital

There has been a confirmed case of Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) in a horse in the Albuquerque area.

Vesicular Stomatitis

VS is a viral disease that is believed to be spread by biting insects, mechanical transmission and animal movement, and possibly other undiscovered factors. VS causes blister-like lesions on the lips, tongue, roof of the mouth, nostrils, hooves, coronary bands, and teats. The surface of the lesions breaks down to create raw ulcerated sores that are very painful and lead to lameness. It can look like a chemical burn in or around the mouth or lips. Excessive salivation is often the first sign. The mouth may swell and be so painful that the horse may refuse to eat or drink. Affected horses usually recover in about two weeks.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment or cure for VS. Treatment is aimed at supportive care. Fluids can be given as needed and antiseptic mouthwash may help to comfort the horse and speed healing of the lesions. How VS is spread is not completely understood. It may be spread by direct contact, insects, and/or shared water and food troughs. Therefore, fly control, stabling (to reduce contact with insects), good sanitation, and separation of suspect animals and their tack, equipment, etc, can help prevent the spread of VS, and may reduce the likelihood of infection in your horses.

VS is a Reportable Disease

Although Vesicular Stomatitis is not usually a fatal disease, there are several good reasons for preventing it from becoming commonplace in the United States. The disease obviously has an economic impact on the livestock industry (it affects horses, cattle, sheep, goats, swine, llamas, and deer). It can infect humans. One man died from VS in Australia, but it usually just causes flu-like symptoms in people. It is considered an internationally reportable disease, and could severely affect export of livestock and animal products, such as shipped semen for breeding. Of particular significance is its similarity in appearance to Hoof-and-Mouth Disease. Hoof-and Mouth was eradicated from the United States in 1929. It would become very difficult to monitor for its reappearance if VS spread throughout the country.

What to do

If you suspect that your horse might have been exposed to Vesicular Stomatitis, or might be showing signs of VS, you should contact your Veterinarian immediately. Separate the horse from all other livestock, use separate equipment, supply a separate source of feed and water, and avoid contact with the horse’s mouth and saliva. Implement on-farm insect control programs that include the elimination or reduction of insect breeding areas.

Vesicular Stomatitis occurs in sporadic annual outbreaks in New Mexico, usually in the summer months and particularly along waterways and in valleys. In most cases the outbreaks involve multiple state and numerous premises in each state.

The most immediate concern this has on the general equine population in New Mexico is travel restrictions. Many states will have restrictions and require Health Certificates within a few days of travel. If you are planning to travel out of state, be sure to contact your Veterinarian for the most up-to-date restrictions imposed by your destination state, and any state you might be traveling through.