VESICULAR STOMATITIS VIRUS (VSV) UPDATE - 5-25-2023
Attention Origin States, Horse Owners, Equine Event Producers and Equine Venue Managers, On May 17, California identified the first case of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) in horses for 2023. The last time the nation experienced an extensive VSV outbreak was in 2020. This particular strain of the virus known as the New Jersey strain, can cause ulcers predominantly along the junction of the skin and oral mucosa around the mouth as well as ulcers on the tongue. This typically leads to excessive salivation and decreased appetite given the discomfort from the lesions. Lesions may also be seen around the coronary bands and elsewhere on the body particularly on the ears, sheath and udder. Horses tend to be the species most severely affected though cattle and other livestock may also be symptomatic. This virus is spread by sandflies, blackflies and also DIRECT CONTACT between horses via grooming behavior and contaminated saliva from ruptured vesicles on bits, bridles, waterers or feed troughs etc.
For more information, please see the VSV-Notice file below.
