VSV stands for Vesicular Stomatitis Virus. It is a virus that primarily affects livestock, particularly horses, cattle, and pigs. Vesicular stomatitis is a highly contagious viral disease that causes vesicles or blisters to form on the mouth, lips, nostrils, teats, and hooves of infected animals.
The VSV belongs to the family Rhabdoviridae and the genus Vesiculovirus. It is an enveloped virus with a single-stranded RNA genome. It is transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, saliva, or nasal discharges. VSV can also be spread by biting insects, such as mosquitoes, gnats, and sandflies.
The symptoms of VSV infection include fever, loss of appetite, excessive salivation (drooling), and the appearance of vesicles. These vesicles are painful, causing discomfort and reduced feed intake in affected animals. Although the disease is usually mild and self-limiting, it can cause significant economic losses due to decreased productivity, reduced weight gain, and restrictions on livestock movement.
VSV is not only of concern for livestock production but also poses a potential risk to human health. Although human infection is rare, it can occur through direct contact with infected animals or their secretions. This makes VSV a zoonotic virus, meaning it can be transmitted between animals and humans.
Due to its impact on both animal and human health, VSV is a notifiable disease under most veterinary and public health systems. This means that any suspicion or confirmation of the virus must be reported to the appropriate authorities. Efforts are made to control the spread of VSV through quarantine measures, movement restrictions, and biosecurity practices.
