Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) is a contagious viral disease that primarily affects horses, cattle, and pigs. This virus belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family and is characterized by causing vesicular lesions on the mouth, teats, and hooves of infected animals. It can also affect other animals, including rodents, wild mammals, and humans.
The primary mode of transmission of VSV is through biting insects, such as sandflies, blackflies, and midges, which carry the virus and pass it onto susceptible hosts. Infected animals can also transmit the virus through direct contact, respiratory droplets, or contaminated objects.
The incubation period for VSV ranges from 2 to 8 days, after which affected animals can exhibit a wide range of clinical signs, including fever, anorexia, depression, and vesicular lesions. These fluid-filled blisters are painful and can cause discomfort during eating and drinking, leading to weight loss. Although most animals recover within a few weeks, the disease can cause temporary lameness, decreased milk production, and economic losses in livestock industries.
Due to its resemblance to other vesicular diseases like foot-and-mouth disease, which is more severe and has significant economic consequences, VSV outbreaks require immediate veterinary notification and control measures, including isolation, quarantine, and movement restrictions.
In humans, VSV infections are rare but can cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and blisters. Strict biosecurity measures should be followed when dealing with infected animals to prevent potential zoonotic transmission. Vaccination against VSV is available for animals to reduce the risk of outbreaks and minimize the impact on livestock industries.
