A shocking discovery has been made in Arizona, where two horses have tested positive for a highly contagious disease. This news has sent shockwaves through the equine community, raising concerns and sparking debates.
On October 31st, the National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the presence of vesicular stomatitis New Jersey virus (VSNJV) in horses located on two separate properties in Cochise County. One horse, a 21-year-old grade mare, tested positive, along with an 8-year-old Quarter Horse gelding. These cases mark the 2025th index cases of VSV in the United States, reminding us of the ongoing battle against this viral disease.
But here's where it gets controversial: the last outbreak of VSV in the U.S. occurred from May 2023 to January 2024, affecting a significant number of premises across California, Nevada, and Texas. Despite this, VSV is known to circulate annually between livestock and insect vectors in southern Mexico, only occasionally making its way into the U.S. This raises questions about the potential spread and impact of the disease.
To keep the equine community informed, the Equine Network's marketing program, EDCC Health Watch, utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC). The EDCC is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to providing open access to infectious disease information, supported by industry donations.
Vesicular stomatitis is a viral disease affecting horses, donkeys, mules, cattle, swine, and New World camelids. It gets its name from the characteristic vesicular lesions it causes, including blisters, crusts, and ulcerations on various parts of the body. These lesions can appear on the lips, muzzle, nose, tongue, ears, sheath, teats, and even the coronary band. The disease is transmitted by biting midges, making it a seasonal concern.
The clinical signs of vesicular stomatitis are quite distinctive. They include the formation of vesicles leading to ulcerative lesions on the lips, muzzle, nostrils, and tongue. The tongue often bears the brunt of the damage. Additionally, animals may experience ulceration of the inner lips, crusting of the muzzle and nostrils, excessive salivation due to oral lesions, difficulty eating, lameness caused by painful erosions on the coronary band, and lesions on the udder, sheath, and inside of the ear. These lesions can also develop secondary infections, leading to slow-healing wounds. Animals grazing on pastures are particularly at risk.
Initial diagnosis relies on recognizing these characteristic vesicular lesions. Infection is then confirmed through laboratory testing for serum antibodies or virus identification in fluid samples from active lesions. Veterinarians play a crucial role in reporting suspected cases to state and federal animal health officials, who direct sample submission to approved regulatory laboratories for further testing.
Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for vesicular stomatitis. However, best practices involve implementing good biosecurity measures and providing affected horses with pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and supportive care as recommended by a veterinarian.
Isolating all affected animals and placing the premises under immediate quarantine is essential until all horses have fully recovered and no active lesions remain. The State Veterinarian works closely with local veterinarians to determine and enforce the necessary quarantine procedures.
This outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in the equine community. As we navigate the complexities of this disease, it's crucial to stay informed and engage in open discussions. What are your thoughts on the impact and potential spread of vesicular stomatitis? Feel free to share your insights and experiences in the comments below!
