Vet Tips 2025: What to Know About Vesicular Stomatitis in Horses and Cattle 🐴🐄🦠

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Vesicular stomatitis (VS) may sound exotic, but it’s a virus we see in Texas and other southwestern states almost every summer. It causes mouth, nose, and foot lesions in horses, cattle, and occasionally people. While the disease is usually mild, it’s carefully watched because its symptoms can resemble something far more dangerous—foot and mouth disease. 🦠🧪

What Is Vesicular Stomatitis? 🧠🦷

VS is a viral disease affecting:

• 🐴 Horses
• 🐄 Cattle
• 🐐 Sheep and goats (less commonly)
• 🧑 People (mild flu-like symptoms)

It’s caused by the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)—a virus from the Rhabdoviridae family. 💉

Why It Matters: Looks Like Foot and Mouth Disease 🚨

The lesions from VS closely resemble those caused by foot and mouth disease (FMD)—a highly contagious and economically devastating foreign animal disease.

• ⚠️ Both cause blisters, erosions, and ulcers on lips, tongue, teats, and hooves
• 🧪 VS is not FMD, but it can confuse diagnosis and delay proper action

This is why every suspected case of VS must be confirmed through lab testing. 🧬

How Does Vesicular Stomatitis Spread? 🔄🦟

VS is highly contagious and spreads via:

• 🦟 Flies and insects (biting flies like black flies and sand flies)
• 🧼 Direct contact with infected animals or shared equipment
• 💧 Saliva, nasal discharge, and contact with infected sores

The virus survives best in warm weather, so outbreaks are most common in late spring through fall. ☀️

Signs of Vesicular Stomatitis in Horses and Cattle 👀🐴

Typical clinical signs include:

• 🩸 Blisters and sores on the tongue, lips, muzzle, nose
• 💧 Excessive salivation or drooling
• 🦶 Lesions around the coronary band or hooves
• 🍼 Sores on the teats or udder
• 📉 Decreased appetite or reluctance to eat
• 💥 Lameness due to painful foot lesions

In people, VS may cause mild flu-like symptoms including fever, fatigue, and body aches. 🧍‍♂️🤒

Diagnosis and Quarantine Procedures 🧪📋

Veterinarians must report suspected cases to state authorities. Diagnostic steps include:

• 🧬 Laboratory confirmation at a USDA-approved facility
• 📍 Field assessment of lesions, herd symptoms, and exposure risk
• 📈 Epidemiologic tracing for animal movement

Confirmed cases are subject to a minimum 14-day quarantine until no new lesions appear. 🚫📦

Treatment and Prognosis 🩺🧊

There is no specific antiviral treatment for VS. Most animals recover within a few weeks with supportive care:

• 🧊 Soft feed and clean water to ease oral pain
• 🧼 Keep sores clean and protected
• 💉 Anti-inflammatory medications for pain and swelling (as advised by your vet)

Mortality is rare—but production loss, movement restrictions, and secondary infections can be significant. 📉

How to Prevent Vesicular Stomatitis 🛡️🐄

• 🦟 Control flies and insects around barns and pastures
• 🚫 Isolate new or returning animals
• 💧 Disinfect equipment, buckets, and shared tack
• 📞 Monitor USDA or state bulletins during outbreak season
• 📋 Check movement restrictions before traveling or selling livestock

Prevention is especially important on breeding farms, show facilities, and boarding operations. ✅

Traveling or Showing? Be Prepared 🐎🚚

VS outbreaks can halt movement of horses or cattle across county or state lines. Always:

• 📅 Check with your vet and state department before hauling
• 📋 Get health certificates (Coggins test and interstate documents)
• 🧼 Clean trailers and equipment between animals

Need Help With Quarantine or Risk Assessment? Ask A Vet 📱🐴

Have you noticed oral sores or been in contact with a quarantined facility? Talk to an expert vet through Ask A Vet.

Download the Ask A Vet app for 24/7 help with vesicular stomatitis symptoms, testing protocols, quarantine rules, and recovery care. 🩺🐄

Final Thoughts: Stay Alert, Not Alarmed 🧠🛡️

Vesicular stomatitis is rarely fatal, but it affects movement, performance, and herd health. Because it mimics foot and mouth disease, it's essential to test and report. With good biosecurity and fly control, you can keep your horses and cattle safe. 🧊🐴

Concerned about mouth lesions or a possible VS case? Visit Ask A Vet for trusted guidance, 24/7. 🐄🐴🩺