Orf disease is a zoonotic dermatological infection caused by the Parapox virus. It can be transmitted from animals, primarily sheep and goats, but also cattle and deer, to humans. It is also known by various names such as Contagious Ecthyma, Soremouth, or Scabby Mouth.
This disease manifests with characteristic lesions on the hairless areas of infected animals, particularly around the udder, mouth, nostrils, and on the feet.
Orf infection typically follows a mild course, and the lesions in affected animals usually heal within approximately one month. However, the potential for rapid spread of the disease within a flock can lead to economic losses and, rarely, severe outbreaks.