Orf, also known as contagious ecthyma, is primarily an animal disease, yet it can be transmitted to humans who come into contact with animals and meat products. Some animals, even without showing symptoms, can be carriers of the Parapox virus that causes the disease. The virus can remain viable for months in environments such as barns, slaughterhouses, knife surfaces, and areas inhabited by animals like sheep, goats, cattle, and deer. This significantly increases the risk of Orf disease transmission from animals to humans.