Management Strategies for Reducing the Risk of Equines Contracting Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) in the Western United States.

This research article focuses on identifying management strategies for reducing the risk of equines contracting Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) in the western United States. The authors translate relevant scientific information about biting insect vectors of VSV and propose practical strategies to reduce the transmission of the virus in various environments.

Understanding Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV)

• VSV causes vesicular stomatitis (VS), a condition that results in painful lesions in equines, cattle, swine, and camelids. When transmitted to humans, it can also cause flu-like symptoms.
• Animals infected with VS are required to be quarantined. This can result in significant economic losses for the equine industry due to interruptions of animal trade and transportation for events such as shows and competitions.

Identifying Biting Insect Vectors for VSV

• The first step in managing the spread of VSV is understanding which biting insects can transmit the virus. The authors aim to make this scientific information more accessible to those involved in equine care.
• Another essential factor in managing the spread of VSV is identifying the preferred habitats and behaviors of these insect vectors. This information will allow for more targeted and effective pest control strategies.

Proposed Management Strategies

• The article identifies practical management strategies to minimize the risk of equines contracting VSV from infectious biting insects or from other equines already infected with VSV.
• These strategies address transmission risk at four different spatial scales: the individual animal, the barn/shelter where animals are housed, the entire barnyard/premises, and even the surrounding environment or neighborhood.
• The authors note that to effectively reduce the risk of VS, a multiscale and spatially collaborative strategy may be needed. This means that efforts to manage VSV spread will need to include cooperation between animal owners, barn managers, veterinarians, and potentially even community members in the surrounding neighborhood.