Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) is a contagious viral disease that affects horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and other livestock. It can cause painful sores and lesions in and around the mouth, nose, and hooves, which can lead to weight loss, lameness, and decreased productivity.
To protect Arkansas livestock, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture closely monitors for signs of VSV, and updates animal entry requirements as needed based on disease activity in other states and any findings within Arkansas. This page will be updated if VSV becomes a threat to Arkansas livestock.
Ongoing Monitoring
Livestock inspectors are stationed at auction barns and equine events across the state. These inspectors observe animals and verify documentation to help prevent disease introduction and spread. The Department collaborates with the USDA and other states to monitor outbreaks and update movement requirements accordingly.
Entry Requirements for Equines from Affected Areas
When VSV is confirmed in other states, Arkansas may implement special entry requirements for equine species (horses, donkeys, mules, miniatures, etc.) originating from affected or adjacent counties.
When activated, these requirements may include:
- A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued within 5 days of movement.
- CVI signed by a USDA Category 2 accredited veterinarian in the state of origin.
- Documentation of:
- Animal’s rectal temperature
- Current negative EIA “Coggins” test with lab verification
- Arkansas entry permit number
- A signed statement confirming: “All animals identified on this Certificate of Veterinary Inspection have been examined and are free from signs or lesions of vesicular stomatitis virus infection. The owner attests the animals have had no direct or indirect contact with any VSV-quarantined or suspect premises within the past 30 days.”
Questions & Answers on Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV)
What is VSV?
Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) is a viral disease that primarily affects horses and cattle, and
occasionally swine, sheep, goats, llamas, and alpacas. Signs of VSV are slobbering, blisters, sores, and
sloughing of skin in the mouth and on the tongue; raw ulcers on the muzzle, inside the ears or on the
coronary bands (hairline at top of the hooves), and the teats/prepuce/vulva/anus. After lesions become
established, lameness may be evident, and eventually, weight loss may be evident due to reluctance to
eat or drink. Lesions will usually heal in 2 or 3 weeks and most animals recover with supportive care.
Animal owners should consult their local veterinarian with questions specific to their animals.
“Why is Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) such a big deal?”
Vesicular Stomatitis Virus is highly contagious and resembles Foot-and-Mouth Disease as well as other
severe Vesicular diseases such as Swine Exanthema. Animal health officials urge livestock owners and
caretakers to report the signs of disease (described above) to their closest veterinarian immediately.
Foreign Animal Diseases (FAD) is a threat to our livestock and related industries, and it is essential to
quickly confirm a diagnosis with laboratory testing.
Of all the vesicular diseases, VSV is the only one that affects horses. Vesicles on equines, as well as on
other farm species, are suggestive of infection. Many states and other countries restrict movement or
impose additional requirements for the entry of susceptible animals from areas with known VSV cases.
Before moving livestock across any border, contact the state animal health division of the desired
destination for any added requirements.
Does this happen here often?
The Southwestern and Western United States have experienced several Vesicular Stomatitis outbreaks.
Outbreaks usually occur during the warmer months and often along waterways. United State
Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service reports that the largest VSV
outbreak in more than 40 years of records occurred in 2019 while another widespread event occurred in
2015.
How does it spread?
VSV is spread by flies, gnats, and midges that are the recognized vectors. The virus can be spread by
direct contact with infected livestock and indirectly through contact with contaminated water tanks,
feed bunks, and tack (bits, etc.).
What can I do to prevent infection of my animals?
There is no vaccine available for VSV, and treatment is supportive (nursing care). Old or chronically ill
animals may succumb to VSV infection. Being off feed for a week or two can impair a performance or
breeding animal. Fly control directed at eliminating fly breeding habitat is the most important step in
preventing the disease. When possible In locations where VSV infection is found, livestock owners
should move their healthy animals away from running water (creeks, rivers) to dryer ground until the
insect vector season subsides as VSV vectors like to reproduce near moving water. Generally, insect vector populations will subside in cooler weather (after a frost).
The use of “Fly Wipes” may help. Some bugs prefer the thin skin on the muzzle, ears, and
prepuce/vulvar regions. Be sure to apply repellents in those regions. Others will reside near the grass
and affect the feet and underbelly. Good sanitation such as clean paddocks and removal of manure
piles, and the use of biosecurity measures can help avoid exposure.
Isolating animals is the easiest and most effective way to be safe and biosecure. Do not take your
animals to locations that pose a risk or let other animals be transported to your location if you are not
sure of the herd/group disease status. Incubation periods range from 2-10 days. A visiting animal
without signs or lesions could be incubating VSV and deliver it to your animals or be bitten by your
resident flies and then spread VSV on your premises. Avoid animal-related events like trail rides, rodeos,
playdays, etc. in affected areas during outbreak periods.
What is done to control VSV outbreaks?
To control VSV outbreaks, premises with confirmed positive and suspect cases are quarantined and then
monitored by federal veterinarians for at least 14 days from the onset of lesions in the last animal
affected on the quarantined premise. The Arkansas State Veterinarian imposes a quarantine on the
premises for at least 30 days after initiation of a disease investigation (first notice for a confirmed or
suspected case on that premises).
Can I get VSV?
Humans rarely contract VSV, but it can happen. While uncommon, human infections may manifest in
people caring for VSV infected animals. Symptoms in people are headaches, joint pain, general flu-like
feelings of discomfort, and respiratory disease is possible.