Orf (disease)
Orf | |
---|---|
Other names | Contagious pustular dermatitis, contagious ecthyma, infectious labial dermatitis, ecthyma contagiosum, thistle disease, scabby mouth[1] |
A thumb with two denuded orf lesions, following a bite by a sheep | |
Specialty | Infectious diseases, veterinary medicine |
Orf is a
It is caused by a Parapoxvirus.[5] It can occur in humans who handle infected animals or contaminated objects.[2] One third of cases may develop erythema multiforme.[4] Once resolved, a person can still be infected again.[4]
Generally, treatment options are limited.
The disease is endemic in livestock herds worldwide.[2] A recent outbreak emerged in southwest Ethiopia between October 2019 and May 2020.[2]
Humans
Orf is a
Orf virus | |
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Virus classification | |
(unranked): | Virus |
Realm: | Varidnaviria |
Kingdom: | Bamfordvirae |
Phylum: | Nucleocytoviricota |
Class: | Pokkesviricetes |
Order: | Chitovirales |
Family: | Poxviridae |
Genus: | Parapoxvirus |
Species: | Orf virus
|
While orf is usually a benign self-limiting illness which resolves in 3-6 weeks, in the
Other animals
Orf is primarily a disease of sheep and goats although it has been reported as a natural disease in
Sheep and goats
It has been recorded since the late 19th century and has been reported from most sheep-or goat-raising areas, including those in Europe, the Middle East, the United States, Africa, Asia, South America, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
A live virus
In sheep and goats, the lesions mostly appear on or near the hairline and elsewhere on the lips and muzzle. In some cases the lesions appear on and in the nostrils, around the eyes, on the thigh, coronet, vulva, udder, and axilla. In rare cases, mostly involving young lambs, lesions are found on the tongue, gums, roof of the mouth and the oesophagus. It has also been reported a number of times to cause lesions in the rumen. In one case it was shown that a severe form of orf virus caused an outbreak involving the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, heart, as well as the buccal cavity, cheeks, tongue and lips. Another severe case was reported pharyngitis, genital lesions and infection of the hooves which led to lameness and, in some cases, sloughing of the hoof.[7]
More typically, sheep will become free of orf within a week or so as the disease runs its course. Sheep custodians can assist by ensuring infected lambs receive sufficient milk and separating out the infected stock to slow down cross-transmission to healthy animals. It is advisable for those handling infected animals to wear disposable gloves to prevent cross infection and self-infection. A veterinarian must be contacted if there is a risk of misdiagnosis with other, more serious conditions.[1]
See also
- Ecthyma
- List of cutaneous conditions
- List of immunofluorescence findings for autoimmune bullous conditions
- Imiquimod
- Cidofovir
References
- ^ ISBN 978-1-86126-235-6.
- ^ PMID 34267574.
- ISBN 978-0-7020-7870-5.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-323-53266-2.
- ISBN 978-0-323-54753-6.
- ^ "Orf Virus (Sore Mouth Infection)". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 15 June 2017.
- ^ .
- ISBN 978-0-12-253056-2.
- ^ Carter, G.R.; Wise, D.J. (2006). "Poxviridae". A Concise Review of Veterinary Virology. Retrieved 2006-06-13.
- ^ "Orf Virus - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics".
- ^ "ClinicalKey".