Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) is a seasonal problem across a number of western states during the warm months and outbreaks often congregate around natural water sources. APHIS officials consider vesicular stomatitis to be a significant disease because its clinical signs resemble those of foot-and-mouth disease, a foreign animal disease with the potential of causing devastating losses if introduced into U.S. livestock populations. As a result potentially infected and infected animals are quarantined until deemed noncontagious.

VS is a possible human disease and most often occurs in those handling infected tissues. Though sometimes asymptomatic, humans may present with flu like symptoms. This article discusses Clinical Signs, Diagnosis, Vaccination, Treatment, and Prognosis of vesicular stomatitis with a emphasis on horses.

Vesicular stomatitis is a viral disease that primarily affects cattle, horses and swine. Animals of all ages can be affected and symptoms start several days after exposure to contaminated biting flies.

The most common clinical sign is drooling or frothing at the mouth. In endemic areas suspect animals should be quarantined at the first signs and the state veterinary office contacted. Vesicular stomatitis also causes blister-like lesions in the mouth, tongue, lips, nostrils, feet, and teats. The blisters swell and break, leaving painful ulcers. Affected animals generally refuse to eat or drink and may show signs of lameness. Severe weight loss may follow. Lameness or laminitis (founder) in horses may persist or rarely progress to sloughing of the hoof.

Diagnosis can be done through testing for antibodies (ELISA, CFT, VN) or virus detection including PCR on infected tissues.