Vesicular Stomatitis Information

• Vesicular stomatitis clinical signs

  • Blister-like lesions in/around mouth, nose, coronary band, and/or sheath/udders
  • In horses, VSV appears as crusting scabs on the muzzle, lips, ears, coronary bands, abdomen.
  • Excessive salivation -- drooling/frothing at mouth
  • Fever
  • Reluctance to eat
  • Lameness or laminitis if lesions develop around coronary band

• What should I do if I see symptoms?

  1. Call your veterinarian immediately. VSV is a reportable disease. 
  2. Separate affected animal(s) from all healthy animals on your property.
  3. Controlling insects (fly spray, fly traps, maintaining clean pens, etc.) is essential to reducing the risk and the spread of this disease.
  4. Handle all healthy animals before sick animals. After handling sick animals make sure to wash and disinfect your hands and boots. If possible, change and wash your clothes as well.

• Vesicular stomatitis treatment

  Vesicular stomatitis is treated with supportive care. Since the lesions may be quite painful your veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs. If your animal is having trouble eating, softening their grain in warm water could encourage higher consumption. Softening hay cubes can also help if they are having trouble eating grass/hay. Secondary infections may develop at erosion sites and systemic antibiotic therapy may be warranted.

• What should horse and livestock owners do to protect their animals?

  • Strict fly control in and around buildings.
    • Manure management and elimination of fly breeding areas.
    • Appropriate insecticide use and application for horses, barns, and outdoor areas.
  • Do not share equipment, tools or tack.
  • Avoid any comingling with animals which may be infected.
  • There are no USDA-approved vaccines for VSV.

• How is vesicular stomatitis transmitted?

  • VSV is spread by insects and by direct contact with infected animals.
  • Black flies, sand flies, and midges are the known vectors of this disease, but other insects may also be capable of transmission.
  • Infected animals shed the virus from the lesions (blisters) they develop, so direct contact with infected animals or water, feed, buckets, and other fomites contaminated with saliva from infected animals can also transmit the disease.
  • The virus can also be spread on shoes, clothing, hands, and contaminated equipment, so follow good biosecurity practices and change or wash your clothing and boots after exposure to sick animals.

• Are humans susceptible to VSV?

  • Humans are rarely affected with the disease, though it is possible for humans to contract it when handling infected animals.
  • VSV can cause flu-like symptoms if infected saliva gets into an open wound, eyes, or mouth.
  • People handling potentially infected animals should wear gloves for protection, and talk with a physician if they have questions.

• Health certificates for interstate travel

  • Because of the confirmed case in Kansas, other states and Canada are likely to increase restrictions on live livestock imports.
  • Animal health officials strongly encourage all livestock owners and veterinarians to call the animal health authority in the destination location for the most current import requirements prior to travel.

• Information for the Veterinarian

  • If you suspect vesicular stomatitis, contact the KDA Division of Animal Health at 785-564-6601.
  • Set up a quarantine for the farm to help prevent spread of the disease.
  • Ensure good biosecurity practices when handling sick and healthy animals.

• Will this impact horse shows, rodeos, other gatherings and events?

  • At this time, KDA is not restricting events. However, we have issued guidelines (below) to help events function safely to protect the health of attendees.
  • As always, animals showing signs of illness should not travel to events where they can expose other animals.