Vesicular Stomatitis Virus
Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) is a virus that primarily affects livestock, particularly cattle, horses, and swine. It causes a disease characterized by the formation of vesicles or blisters in the mouth and on the skin, leading to pain and difficulty in eating and drinking. VSV is transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated surfaces.
Although VSV is not typically harmful to humans, it can cause mild flu-like symptoms in rare cases. The virus is of significant concern in veterinary medicine due to its potential to mimic other diseases, such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease, which can have severe economic impacts on the livestock industry.