- Author: Gabriele U Maier
- Author: Roselle C Busch
July 2023
On May 18, 2023, Vesicular Stomatitis Virus was detected in a horse premises in San Diego County. Since then, several more counties in the southern half of California have reported positive cases of vesicular stomatitis, mainly in horses. Two cattle premises and a rhino in a wildlife park were also confirmed positive for the virus. A current map of affected counties with quarantined premises can be accessed through the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) at this link. The CDFA also offers a number of informational materials related to Vesicular Stomatitis Virus on this dedicated webpage.
What is Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV)?
Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) is a contagious viral disease that often affects horses, but can also lead to clinical signs in cattle, swine, wild ruminants, small ruminants, and llamas and alpacas, causing painful sores and blisters in their mouths and on their hooves. Though not typically fatal, VS can have significant economic and welfare impacts on affected animals. In rare cases, people can also become infected and develop flu-like symptoms. Understanding VS during the current outbreak is crucial for producers, veterinarians, and anyone involved in the livestock industry.
Transmission and Spread
VSV primarily spreads through direct contact with infected animals. The virus can also be transmitted through contaminated equipment, feed, or water sources. Certain insects, such as, midges, sandflies, and blackflies, can carry and spread the virus from one animal to another. However, there are still some uncertainties about how the virus spreads between animals and between premises.
Clinical Signs
Once animals are infected with VSV, it takes about 2 to 8 days for the first clinical signs to appear. Common symptoms include the formation of painful blisters and sores in the mouth, on the tongue, and around the lips which causes the excessive drooling and reluctance to eat. The virus may also cause similar painful lesions on the hooves and teats. In severe cases, the animals may experience lameness due to hoof lesions further contributing to decreased feed and water intake. Severely affected animals may be dehydrated with metabolic and acid-base derangements (especially ruminants as they produce a large amount of saliva which is critical for buffering the rumen). Animals may lose condition due to the painful lesions.
Impact on Cattle and Livestock Industry
VSV is classified as a "reportable disease," which means it must be reported to the local authorities upon detection. The reason for this classification is the potential for VSV to mimic the signs of other more dangerous diseases, such as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Once VSV is suspected, a quarantine will be issued so animals may not leave from the premises until cases have resolved. Timely reporting and temporary movement restrictions for affected premises is the best way to reduce the spread of VS. Call your local veterinarian or your CDFA Animal Health Branch if you suspect a case of VS in your livestock. There is no “punishment” for having the disease in your livestock, other than being under temporary quarantine. Affected animals won't be eliminated as is the case for other livestock diseases such as bovine tuberculosis or Newcastle disease in poultry. Ifeveryone stays vigilant and reports cases of VS, spread of the disease will be minimized.
Plan ahead for interstate livestock movements
When shipping cattle or other livestock interstate, there may now be additional restrictions for the certificate of veterinary inspection required by the importing state. Make sure you plan ahead and discuss with your veterinarian when to schedule visits for health certificates for interstate movement. The same may be true when taking animals to a livestock fair.
Prevention and Control
Preventing VSV outbreaks requires a combination of biosecurity measures and vigilant monitoring. Livestock owners should:
1. Implement strict biosecurity protocols to limit contact between healthy and potentially infected animals.
2. Regularly inspect animals for any signs of the disease, such as blisters, sores, or lameness. Wear gloves when examining mouths to avoid exposure to the virus.
3. Isolate and quarantine suspected cases immediately to prevent further spread.
4. Practice proper sanitation and hygiene when handling livestock and equipment. The virus is susceptible to disinfection with various products including diluted bleach, iodine, quaternary ammonium, and phenolic compounds.
5. Minimize exposure to potential insect vectors by using repellents or insecticides. Check the VetPestX website for information on available products to kill or repel the most important vectors.
Unfortunately, there is no vaccine available for VSV, so biosecurity, hygiene, and vector control are the best ways to prevent the disease.
It's important to note that there is no specific treatment for VSV, and supportive care is the mainstay for affected animals. Veterinarians may recommend pain relief, hydration support, and providing soft and easily consumable feed.
- Author: Gabriele Ute Maier
Coronaviruses in human and animal health
Gabriele Maier, CE Specialist for Beef Cattle Herd Health and Production
March 30, 2020
Now that we are in the midst of the Covid19 outbreak, you might wonder about how this virus is different from coronaviruses that infect livestock and other animals. Let's try and answer some questions you might have with regards to this topic.
How widespread are coronaviruses?
Disease from coronaviruses is very common in humans and animals. Many species have their own version of coronavirus. In fact, one of the causes of the common cold in people is a coronavirus. What's important to understand is that in general, these viruses stick with a species based on how their surface proteins fit receptors on the cells of their target species, in a lock and key fashion. The reason this novel corononavirus is such a threat is because it is new to our species, there is no immunity to it in the population, it spreads easily, and it can cause severe disease.
What is the source of the novel coronavirus?
SARS-CoV-2, the official name of the new coronavirus, is thought to have jumped from animals to humans. The exact source is still unknown, but, at the moment, the most likely explanation is that it came from bats. You probably remember the SARS outbreak from 2003, which was caused by a similar coronavirus. Bats were found to be the likely source of the virus in the 2003 SARS outbreak, and probably passed it on to other animals that were sold in markets in China, such as the palm civet, a cat-like animal. Along the way the virus underwent mutations and finally was able to infect a new host – humans. Most importantly, it was able to spread from person to person. A similar mechanism was likely at play for this new coronavirus outbreak but with new information coming forward, this idea may change.
How is the novel coronavirus different from coronavirus in cattle?
The good news is that the bovine coronavirus we have in the US belongs to a different strain of coronaviruses than the SARS-CoVs that have jumped to humans during the 2003 SARS and the current Covid19 outbreaks. Bovine coronavirus is a cause of calf diarrhea, winter dysentery in adult cattle and is thought to cause respiratory disease, for example as part of the shipping fever complex. There is no expectation that the novel coronavirus can infect cattle or that the bovine coronavirus that is endemic in the US causes disease in people. There is also no evidence that imported animals or animal products pose a risk for spreading Covid19, according to the CDC. Overall, there is no connection between coronavirus in cattle and SARS-CoV-2.
What about coronaviruses in other animals?
Epidemiologists are often worried about pigs as a mixing vessel for viruses that affect people and animals, e.g. for influenza viruses. Pigs have their own versions of coronaviruses that are the cause of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) and Transmissible Gastroenteritis (TGE). However, just like in cattle, the coronaviruses in pigs are different and there is no evidence that pigs can get infected with SARS-CoV-2 or that they can transmit and spread it.
Should I worry about my pets?
At this time, there are also no reports that pets can get infected with or transmit SARS-CoV-2. However, the CDC cautions to restrict contact with pets while you are sick from Covid19 because there is still a lot we don't know about this new virus.
Would the coronavirus vaccine we have for cattle work in people?
Unfortunately, the corona virus vaccine for cattle would not work for people in the current pandemic because of the difference in strains. In fact, intentional or unintentional injections of animal vaccines in people can have adverse effects such as toxic inflammation or allergic reactions and must be avoided.
Additional resources
It is hard to escape information about Covid19 during this time. While there is a lot of information out there, not everything may be accurate. A reliable and up to date source is the CDC webpage including a page about animals:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html
As time goes by, we may find out more about the source of the virus and other important facts, so check back occasionally for the latest information and recommendations.
