Rhabdovirus. Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of particles of the rhabdovirus vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV, red). These particles consist of a core of genetic material, ribonucleic acid (RNA), surrounded by a protein coat (capsid). VSV is best known for infecting domesticated animals such as horses, cattle and swine, who develop a fever and lesions on their lips, noses, feet and udders. The transmission of VSV is still poorly understood (as of 2008) but it is believed that it functions as an arbovirus, meaning that it is transmitted by arthropods. The arthropods, such as the black fly, act as vectors rather than being directly affected by the virus. Magnification: x55,000 when printed 10 centimetres wide.