Contagious ecthyma (Sore mouth or orf ) is a common disease of farmed sheep and goats that also appears in wild animals. It is caused by a virus (parapoxivirus) infection. The infection appears as scabs on the lips, nose, face, mouth, udder, ears, and several other parts of the exposed skin. It is more severe in young and stressed animals and can be fatal. It causes pain and suffering and animals may stop eating and die of starvation. This disease may also cause mild fever and painful swollen lymph nodes. However, animals may heal without long-term effects. The infection may appear anytime after 7 days of exposure to the virus, depending on the condition and health status of the animal. Usually it takes 4 to 6 weeks to heal without any scars. Its transmission to humans is by direct contact and can be avoided by properly handling the animals.

Back to Common Diseases