Orf (disease)

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Orf is also called contagious ecthyma, sore mouth disease it is a farmyard pox, and a type of zoonosis. It is caused by a member of the genus Parapoxvirus in the family Poxviridae. Orf virus has an ovoid-shaped virions of ~ 260 by 160 nm and a linear double-stranded DNA genome of 134–139 kb. The Orf virus primarily affects sheep and goats worldwide. Infection can causes small pustules in the skin of primarily sheep and goats, but can also occur on the hands of humans. A pale halo forms around a red centre. It may persist for several weeks before crusting and then either resolves or leaves a granuloma. There is usually only one non-painful lesion, but there can be more. Lymph nodes may also become swollen. Transmission of Orf to humans typically occurs through direct contact with animals exhibiting active lesions. Activities such as feeding, petting and getting bitten by an infected animal increase the risk of infection One-third of cases may develop erythema multiforme. Once resolved...

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