Orf virus (contagious pustular dermatitis)

Epidemiology

• Orf is a disease of sheep sometimes referred to as contagious pustular dermatitis
• it is caused by a parapoxvirus
• human infection is acquired by contact with sheep infected around the mouth, nose or eyes
• human infection usually occurs at abrasion sites on the hands

Clinical manifestations

• single or multiple large painful vesicles or tagetoid papules develop
• may be painless
• typically progresses from targetoid papule to a boggy nodule
• often associated with lymphadenopathy
• nodule eventually dores our & resolution occurs within several weeks
• mild skin sensitivity may persisg at 6 months

Management

• supportive care, self-limited infection

More general terms

• parapoxvirus