Which of the following is NOT true concerning vesicular exanthema of swine?

• A. It has been eradicated from the world
• B. The original reservoir may have been a marine animal
• C. It is a very distinct clinically, differing from the other vesicular diseases
• D. It is caused by a calicivirus

Answer: (C)

Vesicular diseases in swine look remarkably similar, with vesicles on the snout, tongue, lips, teats, and feet, so you can’t reliably tell them apart just by clinical signs. Vesicular exanthema of swine is caused by a calicivirus (historically linked to the San Miguel sea lion virus) and was associated with a marine mammal reservoir. Global eradication of this disease came about through strict control measures, including movement restrictions and improvements in meat product handling, leading to its disappearance from swine populations worldwide. Because the clinical presentation is not unique and resembles other vesicular diseases, the notion that this disease is very distinct clinically is not true.