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Atypical parapoxvirus infection in sheep
Geoffrey W Smith1, Gail Scherba, Peter D Constable
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana 61802, USA. gw-smith@uiuc.edu
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
|June 4, 2002
Summary
Five sheep presented with extensive, painful skin lesions resembling warts. Laboratory tests confirmed parapoxvirus infection, an atypical presentation in sheep that did not resolve with treatment, leading to euthanasia.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Parapoxvirus infections, commonly known as orf, contagious ecthyma, or scabby mouth, typically cause proliferative lesions in sheep.
- This report details an unusual presentation of parapoxvirus in multiple sheep across different flocks.
Observation:
- Five sheep exhibited severe, wart-like proliferative skin lesions on their limbs and heads.
- Lesions caused pain and reluctance to move, with empirical treatments proving ineffective.
- Clinical signs persisted, and all affected animals were euthanized due to lack of resolution or owner decision.
Findings:
- Comprehensive diagnostic testing, including histopathology and electron microscopy, confirmed parapoxvirus infection.
- The presentation was atypical, with minimal observed contagiousness but a lack of spontaneous resolution.
- This represents a novel report of such extensive lesions in multiple North American sheep.
Implications:
- Highlights the diverse clinical manifestations of parapoxvirus in sheep.
- Underscores the importance of thorough diagnostics for atypical presentations.
- Suggests potential for persistent, non-resolving parapoxvirus infections in sheep populations.