Vesicular Stomatitis in Horses

What is vesticular stomatitis? It is a viral disease that most often occurs in the summer months. It is transmitted by biting insects and from saliva and direct contact with infected animals. Blister like lesions form in the mouth, on the tongue, etc., and painful ulcers develop that cause horses to drool and froth from the mouth. This sign can be mistaken for biting problems, dental abnormalities or colic. Infected animals generally go off feed and suffer mild to significant weight loss. Additionally, mild lameness may occur if lesions develop along the coronary band. Some cases of severe lameness have been reported when hooves were sloughed. For an excellent article on this disease follow this link: Vesticular Stomitis in Horses by Kathy Anderson, Extension Horse Specialist, University of Nebraska

When you are trailering your horse through the different states in the US there are rules concerning this disease. They differ from state to state. I also want to mention that this disease is zoonotic, that is, it can be transmitted to humans and other mammals, as well.

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