VESICULAR STOMATITIS (VS)

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Causative Agent

VS caused by four viruses in the genus Vesiculovirus belonging to the family Rhabdoviridae. These viruses have been classified into 2 major serotypes: New Jersey (comprising of VSV-NJ) and Indiana (comprising Vesicular Stomatitis Indiana virus (VSV-IN), Vesicular Stomatitis Alagoas virus (VSV-AV), Cocal virus.

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

Vesicular stomatitis causes blister-like lesions to form in the mouth and on the dental pad, tongue, lips, nostrils, hooves, and teats. These blisters swell and break, leaving raw tissue (ulcers and erosions of various sizes) that is so painful that infected animals generally refuse to eat or drink, excessive salivation and severe weight loss usually follows. Lesions on the coronary band may result in laminitis and even loss of hoof (lameness). Lesions on the teat can lead to mastitis from secondary bacterial infection and severe drop in milk production. Affected dairy cattle can appear to be normal and will continue to eat about half of their feed intake.

Diagnostic Considerations

Sample to collect include epithelium and fluid of vesicular lesion Diagnostic methods: Real time RT-PCR assay or Antigen ELISA

Management and Treatment

The disease is generally self-limiting, with no specific treatment, but some animals may require supportive care.

Treatment should be symptomatic.

  • Vitamins C
  • Analgin 20mg/kg IM X 3/7 for pain and fever
  • Topical application of anaesthetic pain-relief product wound gel 2-3 times a
  • Some animals may require supportive fluid
  • Cleaning of the lesion with mild antiseptic solution will aid healing and avoid secondary bacterial The mouth lesion should be sprayed with antibiotics (Oxytet spray)
  • Systemic antibiotic therapy may be used to control secondary bacterial infection of ulcers (ulcers on the teat can lead to mastitis) e.g. Penicillin G sodium, Penicillin G procaine, Oxytetracyline, Amoxycillin

Penicillin G sodium: 10,000-20,000 IU (6-12 mg)/kg IV or IM, q6-8h x5/7 Penicillin G procaine: 17,000-25,000 IU (10-15mg)/kg IM or SC, q12-24h x5/7 Oxytetracyline LA 20mg/kg IM (repeat after 2-4 days)

Amoxycillin 4-7 mg/kg, IM, q12-24h x5/7

Control relies on biosecurity protocols, quarantine, isolation, and disinfection to ensure the virus does not enter a country or herd, as there is no vaccine available