Breaking News: Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Strikes Arizona Horses!
On October 31st, 2024, the National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the presence of the Vesicular Stomatitis New Jersey virus (VSNJV) in horses located in Cochise County, Arizona. This is a serious situation, so let's break down what this means.
At the first location, a 21-year-old mare has tested positive for the virus. Thankfully, the other 52 horses and 120 cattle on the property aren't showing any signs of illness. At the second property, an 8-year-old gelding has been confirmed positive. Again, the remaining six horses and 60 cattle on the premises appear unaffected.
These cases mark the beginning of the VSV in the United States for 2025. The last time the U.S. saw a significant outbreak was from May 2023 through January 2024, impacting 319 premises across California, Nevada, and Texas. This virus tends to circulate annually between livestock and insect vectors in southern Mexico, only occasionally making its way into the U.S.
But what exactly is Vesicular Stomatitis? It's a viral disease affecting horses, donkeys, mules, cattle, swine, and New World camelids. The name comes from the characteristic vesicular lesions (blisters) it causes on the lips, muzzle, nose, tongue, ears, sheath, teats, and/or coronary band. The virus spreads through biting midges, making it a seasonal concern.
Here's what to watch out for:
- Blisters that turn into ulcers on the lips, muzzle, nostrils, and tongue (the tongue is often hit hardest).
- Ulcers inside the lips.
- Crusting on the muzzle, nostrils, and/or inside the ears.
- Excessive drooling due to mouth sores.
- Difficulty eating and chewing.
- Lameness caused by painful sores on the coronary band (where the hoof meets the skin).
- Lesions can also appear on the udder, sheath, and inside the ear.
- Secondary infections can slow down healing.
- Animals grazing in pastures are at higher risk.
Diagnosis usually starts with spotting those telltale blisters. The infection is confirmed through lab tests, looking for antibodies in the blood or identifying the virus in fluid samples from the sores. Veterinarians are required to report suspected cases to state/federal animal health officials, who will then send samples to a lab for testing.
There's no specific cure for vesicular stomatitis. Instead, treatment focuses on managing symptoms. This includes pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and supportive care, all under the guidance of a veterinarian. Good biosecurity practices are also crucial.
Important: Affected animals must be isolated, and the property is placed under quarantine until all horses have fully recovered and there are no active lesions. The State Veterinarian will collaborate with local vets to set up and enforce the quarantine procedures.
Could this outbreak be more widespread than reported? What are your thoughts on the measures being taken? Share your opinions in the comments below!
