Vesicular stomatitis and other vesicular, erosive, and ulcerative diseases of horses.

This research article explores various causes of stomatitis, a mouth disease in horses, and considers whether its incidence is actually increasing or if it’s due to increased public awareness, prompted by VSV (Vesicular Stomatitis Virus) outbreaks in the US Southwest.

Overview of the Research

• The article examines several factors known to cause stomatitis in horses: physical injury, diet, toxins, immune disorders, and infections from the Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV).
• The researchers suggest that some instances of stomatitis could be caused by unidentified infectious agents, but more investigation is needed to confirm this.
• Uncertainty exists over whether stomatitis is becoming more common (emerging) in the horse population, or if the recent rise in reported cases is due to an increase in public awareness. This awareness has likely been driven by widespread VSV outbreaks in the southwest of the United States.
• Future laboratory and epidemiological studies are recommended to better identify other infectious and non-infectious causes of equine stomatitis that aren’t related to VSV.

In-depth Explanation of Research Findings

• Stomatitis is an infection of the mouth that can be caused by several factors. The research identifies physical trauma, dietary factors, specific toxins, immune-mediated disorders, and infection by the Vesicular Stomatitis Virus as common causes.
• The researchers suggest there may be other, not yet identified, infectious agents contributing to stomatitis outbreaks. This indicates the complexity of the disease and the gaps in our current understanding of it.
• The report also raises the question of whether cases of equine stomatitis are genuinely increasing or if a perceived surge in reports is simply due to heightened awareness. A series of VSV outbreaks in the southwestern US may have led to more detections and reporting of stomatitis in general.
• To have a clearer understanding of the causes and prevalence of stomatitis, more focused research is needed in laboratories and through epidemiological studies. This will help identify other infectious and non-infectious causes that do not involve the Vesicular Stomatitis Virus.