VESICULAR EXANTHEMA OF SWINE VIRUS (VESV)
LEVELS: Highly unlikely: No controls necessary; Highly unlikely: No evidence of non-foodborne zoonotic transmission; Unlikely to be effective: One or more pathways of farm-to-farm transmission exist that cannot be controlled by on-farm biosecurity; Easy: Distinct clinical signs and/or existing test(s) available at local/regional laboratory(s); Substantial: Unsustainable acute or chronic losses related to severe clinical signs in a high prevalence of animals; Prolonged disruption: Measureable negative effect on demand for more than 6 months when disease occurs on one or more farms; Minimal risk: Agent inherently unlikely to develop clinically important resistance to antibacterial or antiviral treatments; Minimal risk: Antibacterial or antiviral treatments rarely occur, or are typically limited to short-course individual animal therapy; No availability: Effective treatments not currently available in the US (or have not been developed); No availability: Effective vaccines not currently available in the US (or have not been developed); Highly likely: Can be eradicated using existing tools and knowledge
OVERVIEW
Vesicular exanthema of swine (VES) is an acute, highly infectious vesicular disease of pigs caused by vesiviruses within the family Caliciviridae. Clinically, the disease is indistinguishable from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and other vesicular diseases of swine. Although eradicated from the United States in 1959, VESV-like viruses persist in marine mammals and fish along the Pacific coast, representing a potential re-introduction risk. The disease has major regulatory and trade significance despite its absence from modern US production.
FOODBORNE ZOONOTIC TRANSMISSION POTENTIAL
Level: Highly unlikely: No controls necessary
VESV does not infect humans via consumption or handling of pork products.
NON-FOODBORNE ZOONOTIC TRANSMISSION POTENTIAL
Level: Highly unlikely: No evidence of non-foodborne zoonotic transmission
Rare human infections have been documented in people handling infected marine mammals or working with the virus in laboratory settings. These are unusual, highly specific exposure scenarios rather than routine occupational risks.
EFFECTIVENESS OF ON-FARM BIOSECURITY IN PREVENTING FARM-TO-FARM TRANSMISSION
Level: Unlikely to be effective: One or more pathways of farm-to-farm transmission exist that cannot be controlled by on-farm biosecurity
Transmission historically occurred via feeding uncooked garbage and contaminated marine products. Persistent circulation in marine mammals, fish, and shellfish represents a substantial non-pig reservoir that can amplify spread and complicate control if reintroduced.
DIFFICULTY OF DETECTING AND CONFIRMING INFECTION
Level: Easy: Distinct clinical signs and/or existing test(s) available at local/regional laboratory(s)
VES causes classic vesicular lesions that are immediately suspicious and trigger foreign animal disease investigation. Laboratory diagnostics (PCR, virus isolation, serology) are well established, though differentiation from FMD and other vesicular viruses is essential.
FINANCIAL IMPACT ON FARM'S COST OF PRODUCTION
Level: Substantial: Unsustainable acute or chronic losses related to severe clinical signs in a high prevalence of animals
If introduced, VES would cause major production disruption due to rapid spread, stamping-out measures, and movement restrictions, even though direct mortality is low.
EFFECT ON DOMESTIC OR EXPORT MARKETS
Level: Prolonged disruption: Measureable negative effect on demand for more than 6 months when disease occurs on one or more farms
Because VES is clinically indistinguishable from FMD, detection would result in immediate and severe domestic and international market impacts.
PATHOGEN'S ABILITY TO DEVELOP AND SPREAD RESISTANCE
Level: Minimal risk: Agent inherently unlikely to develop clinically important resistance to antibacterial or antiviral treatments
VESV is a virus and does not contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
AMR DEVELOPMENT DRIVEN BY DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Level: Minimal risk: Antibacterial or antiviral treatments rarely occur, or are typically limited to short-course individual animal therapy
Disease management does not involve antimicrobial therapy.
AVAILABILITY OF EFFECTIVE TREATMENT OPTIONS
Level: No availability: Effective treatments not currently available in the US (or have not been developed)
No specific treatment is available.
AVAILABILITY OF EFFECTIVE VACCINES OR BACTERINS
Level: No availability: Effective vaccines not currently available in the US (or have not been developed)
Vaccines are not available; the large number of serotypes would likely preclude practical vaccine development.
FEASIBILITY OF ERADICATING THE DISEASE FROM THE US
Level: Highly likely: Can be eradicated using existing tools and knowledge
VES was successfully eradicated from the US through coordinated regulatory action and could be eradicated again if reintroduced.