Dr. Vishal B. Awate¹*, Dr. Naina Singh²¹ M.V.Sc. (Veterinary Medicine), Veterinary Officer (Gr–A), Buldhana, Maharashtra, India. ² M.V.Sc. (Veterinary Pathology), Veterinary Officer (Gr–A), Buldhana, Maharashtra, India.*Corresponding Author: Dr. Vishal B. Awate; Email: awatev469@gmail.com doi.org/10.5281/IndianVetMagazine.23240862
Contagious ecthyma (CE), commonly known as Orf, is a highly contagious viral disease affecting sheep and goats. It is caused by Orf virus, a member of the genus Parapoxvirus. The disease is characterized by proliferative, crusted and sometimes ulcerative lesions, particularly around the lips, muzzle and oral commissures. Young goats may experience difficulty in suckling and feeding, resulting in poor growth and economic losses. The virus can persist in contaminated scabs and the environment, facilitating transmission between animals. The disease is also zoonotic, and people handling infected animals may develop localized skin lesions, particularly on the hands and fingers. Diagnosis is often based on characteristic clinical lesions, while PCR targeting the B2L gene can be used for laboratory confirmation. Management is mainly supportive because there is no routinely used specific antiviral treatment. Isolation of affected animals, proper wound care, nutritional support and prevention of secondary bacterial infection are important components of control. Vaccination may be considered in herds where Orf is an established problem, under veterinary supervision and according to product recommendations.