Vesicular stomatitis outbreak in the southwestern United States, 2012

Authors

Brian J. McCluskey, USDA-APHISFollow
Angela M. Pelzel-McCluskey, USDA-APHIS
Lynn Creekmore, USDA-APHIS
John Schiltz, USDA-APHIS

Date of this Version

2013

Citation

Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation 25(5) 608– 613. DOI: 10.1177/1040638713497945

Comments

U. S. government work.

Abstract

Vesicular stomatitis is a viral disease primarily affecting horses and cattle when it occurs in the United States. Outbreaks in the southwestern United States occur sporadically, with initial cases typically occurring in Texas, New Mexico, or Arizona and subsequent cases occurring in a northward progression. The viruses causing vesicular stomatitis can be transmitted by direct contact of lesioned animals with other susceptible animals, but transmission is primarily through arthropod vectors. In 2012, an outbreak of vesicular stomatitis in the United States occurred that was caused by Vesicular stomatitis New Jersey virus serotype. Overall, 51 horses on 36 premises in 2 states were confirmed positive. Phylogenetic analysis of the virus indicated that it was most closely related to viruses detected in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, in 2000.