Orf virus awareness helps prevent spread

As lambing and kidding season is heavily underway across the area, many producers are taking extra precautions in biosecurity. However, one infectious disease that might be overlooked by sheep and goat owners is orf virus, better know as sore mouth. Orf virus can be transmitted to humans, and it affects 15% of sheep and 8% of goats in the world. The disease is caused by a virus from the Poxviridae family and has been reported by sheep and goat producers since the late 19th century.

Sheep and goats that are infected with orf virus will develop scabs and sores on their muzzle, lips and inner mouth. Early in the infection, the sores will look like blisters and then will develop into crusted scabs. If a doe or ewe is nursing an infected kid or lamb, they will likely develop the sores on their teats, which might lead them to refuse suckling. Infections will clear up within a month and do not typically cause any major issues.

Orf virus is easily transmitted between animals through any direct contact with a bodily material that contains the virus, whether it be muzzle-to-muzzle or body-to-body. The virus is extra hardy when it is in the scab and can live in the environment for months or even years when in the scab. This means that pastures, bedding, waterers, feed troughs and harnesses that have scab materials on them can be dangerous for uninfected animals for long periods of time.

Since orf virus is mostly contracted through open wounds, it is important to reduce the likelihood of cuts to the mouth where the virus can enter. This is done primarily by removing thistle or abrasive brush from grazing areas. Frequently disinfecting feed troughs and buildings where animals often gather is another important measure to take. As with many other diseases, it is always important to quarantine new animals to ensure that an infection is not present. Humans should also wear gloves and wash their hands frequently when caring for an animal that has visible sores on their muzzle, lips or inner mouth to avoid transmission of orf virus to themselves.

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