All of the following are top differential for fever with oral erosions and vesicles in the oral cavity of cattle except:

• A. Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus
• B. Foot and Mouth Disease Virus
• C. Malignant Catarrhal Fever Virus
• D. Traumatic Stomatitis

Answer: (D)

Fever with oral erosions and vesicles in cattle points to viral diseases that cause widespread mucosal involvement and systemic illness. Foot-and-mouth disease virus is the classic vesicular disease in cattle, producing vesicles on the oral mucosa, tongue, snout, and often the feet, accompanied by fever and other signs; it is a top concern because of its rapid spread and serious economic impact. Bovine viral diarrhea virus can cause mucosal disease with oral erosions, salivation, and fever, representing another key differential when erosions are present in the mouth. Malignant catarrhal fever virus also fits this pattern, with high fever and extensive mucosal erosions, including in the oral cavity, often with nasal discharge and other systemic signs.

Traumatic stomatitis, by contrast, is due to local mechanical or chemical injury and typically produces localized ulcers at the site of trauma without the widespread fever or vesicular lesions seen with the viral diseases. Its presentation is usually focal rather than systemic, which is why it isn’t a top differential for fever with oral vesicles.