Orf virus
| Orf (disease) | |
|---|---|
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| A thumb with two denuded orf lesions, following a bite by a sheep | |
| Classification and external resources | |
| Specialty | infectious disease |
| ICD-10 | B08.0 (ILDS B08.040) |
| ICD-9-CM | 051.2 |
| DiseasesDB | 9262 |
| eMedicine | article/1133450 |
| MeSH | D004474 |
| Orf virus | |
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| Virus classification | |
| Group: | Group I (dsDNA) |
| Family: | Poxviridae |
| Genus: | Parapoxvirus |
| Species: | Orf virus |
Orf is an exanthemous disease caused by a parapox virus and occurring primarily in sheep and goats. It is also known as contagious pustular dermatitis, infectious labial dermatitis, ecthyma contagiosum, thistle disease and scabby mouth. Orf virus is zoonotic - it can also infect humans.
Orf is a zoonotic disease, meaning humans can contract this disorder through direct contact with infected sheep and goats or with fomites carrying the orf virus. It causes a purulent-appearing papule locally and generally no systemic symptoms. Infected locations can include the finger, hand, arm, face and even the penis (either caused by infection from the hand during urination or bestiality). Consequently, it is important to observe good personal hygiene and to wear gloves when treating infected animals. The papule may persist for 7 to 10 weeks and spontaneously resolves. It is an uncommon condition and may be difficult to diagnose. There have been no reported cases of human to human infection.
While orf is usually a benign self-limiting illness, it can be very progressive and even life-threatening in the immune-compromised host. One percent topical cidofovir has been successfully used in a few patients with progressive disease. Serious damage may be inflicted on the eye if it is infected by orf, even among healthy individuals. The virus can survive in the soil for at least six months.
Primarily, orf is a disease of sheep and goats although it has been reported as a natural disease in the following: humans, steenbok and alpacas, chamois and thar, reindeer, musk ox, the dog, the cat, the mountain goat, bighorn sheep, dall sheep, and the red squirrel .
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Wikipedia