Equine Vesicular Stomatitis Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Vesicular stomatitis (VS) is a contagious viral disease caused by vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), primarily affecting horses, cattle, and swine in the Western Hemisphere. VS is characterized by vesicular lesions affecting the oral mucosa, tongue, coronary bands, and other mucocutaneous areas. It is a reportable disease of significant economic and regulatory importance due to its clinical similarity to foot-and-mouth disease.

Etiology and Pathophysiology

Viral Characteristics

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) belongs to the family Rhabdoviridae, genus Vesiculovirus. The virus is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus with a characteristic bullet-shaped virion measuring approximately 180 nm long and 75 nm wide.

Pathophysiology

VSV enters the body through breaks in mucosa or skin, commonly caused by rough forage or arthropod bites. Localized viral infection of epithelial cells leads to intraepithelial edema and vesicle formation, which rapidly rupture to form ulcerative lesions.