The report on a blistering disease

The report on a blistering disease


Vesicular stomatitis virus, or VSV, was reported in eight states this summer, resulting in over 400 animal housing facilities being quarantined, or closed off, for at least several weeks. So just what is this disease and why is it so serious?

Vesicular stomatitis is caused by a virus that attacks mainly cattle and horses. Depending on the animal, lesions include painful blisters and ulcers inside and around the mouth, along the hooves and on the udders. Subsequently, animals go off food and water, lose weight and can become lame. Milk production also plummets in affected cows.

So the serious economic consequences of VSV are why it has to be reported to state authorities — that is, why it’s a reportable disease. If you suspect VSV in one of your animals, contact your veterinarian immediately and isolate the animal. There’s too much at stake to do otherwise.

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