Vesicular
Stomatitis (VS) is a contagious disease that afflicts horses,
livestock, wildlife and even humans.
The
disease is caused by a virus which although rarely life threatening,
can have significant financial impact on the horse industry.
Clinical
Signs & Diagnosis
Blister-like
lesions develop on the tongue, mouth lining, nose and lips.
In
some cases, lesions also develop on the coronary bands, or on the
udder or sheath.
When
VS is suspected, an exact diagnosis should be obtained by testing the
blood for virus-specific antibodies.
The
incubation period for vesicular stomatitis – meaning the time from
exposure until the first signs appear – ranges from two to eight
days.
A
fever may develop initially as blisters form on the tongue, gums, or
coronary bands.
One
of the most obvious clinical signs is drooling or frothing at the
mouth. This occurs following rupture of the blisters that create
painful ulcers in the mouth. The surface of the tongue may slough.
Excessive
salivation is often mistaken as a result of a dental problem just
as a horse that is not eating well may be suspected as having colic.
Weight
loss may be a secondary effect, as a horse with mouth ulcers finds it
too painful to eat. If lesions form around the coronary band,
inflammation within the foot may result in lameness or laminitis. In
severe (but rare) cases, the lesions on the coronary band may cause
the hoof to slough.
Treatment
While
a horse is suffering from vesicular stomatitis, feeding soft feeds
may reduce mouth discomfort.
Anti-inflammatory
medications as supportive care help to minimize swelling and pain so
a horse will continue to eat and drink.
Secondary
bacterial infection of ulcerated areas is another concern.
If
fever, swelling, inflammation or pus develops around the sores,
treatment with antibiotics may be required.
Disease
Transmission
There
are still many questions regarding how vesicular stomatitis is
transmitted.
The
disease is distributed only in North and South America, with a
greater incidence in warmer regions.
Due
to the seasonal occurrence of VS during summer through early fall, it
is believed that insects such as biting flies and gnats transmit
the virus.
Stable
and houseflies are other possible but unlikely vectors. VS also seems
to be passed from horse to horse by contact with saliva or fluid from
ruptured blisters.
Physical
contact between animals, or contact with buckets, equipment, housing,
trailers, feed, bedding or other items used by an infected horse can
provide a ready means of spread.
Prevention
• Healthy
horses are more disease resistant so provide good nutrition, regular
exercise, deworming and routine vaccinations.
• Isolate
new horses for at least 21 days before introducing them into the herd
or stable.
• Observe
your horse closely. Immediately isolate any horse that shows signs of
infection.
• Implement
an effective insect control program. Keep stabling areas clean and
dry. Remove waste and eliminate potential breeding grounds (standing
water, muddy areas) for insect vectors. • Use individual rather
than communal feeders and equipment.
• Clean
and disinfect feed bunks, waterers, horse trailers and other
equipment regularly.
• Be
sure that your farrier and other equine professionals who come into
direct contact with your animals exercise due care so as not to
spread the disease from one horse or facility to the next. • On
farms where VS has been confirmed, handle healthy animals first, ill
animals last. Handlers should then shower, change clothing and
disinfect equipment to prevent exposing others.
Reference
No comments:
Post a Comment