Camelidae and Cervidae Vesicular Stomatitis Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Vesicular stomatitis (VS) is a viral, vector-borne disease affecting multiple livestock species in the Americas. While primarily affecting horses and cattle, New World camelids (llamas and alpacas) are susceptible species with documented cases. Cervids (deer species) demonstrate serological evidence of exposure but rarely develop clinical disease in natural settings.

VS is caused by vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), a bullet-shaped rhabdovirus in the genus Vesiculovirus. Two serotypes affect livestock in North America: New Jersey (VSV-NJ) and Indiana (VSV-IN).

Etiology and Pathophysiology

Viral Characteristics

Vesicular stomatitis virus belongs to the family Rhabdoviridae, genus Vesiculovirus. The virus is enveloped, bullet-shaped, and contains a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome approximately 180 nm long and 75 nm wide.