Contagious ecthyma in Alaskan musk-oxen and Dall sheep

In 1976 and 1977, a disease resembling contagious ecthyma was seen in captive musk-oxen (Ovibos moschatus) in Alaska. A similar disease occurred in 1977 in captive Dall sheep (Ovis dalli). Paravaccinia viruses were detected by electron microscopy and isolated in cell cultures from both species. Experimental inoculation in susceptible and immune domestic sheep (Ovis aries) plus fluorescent antibody tests with ecthyma-immune conjugate indicated that the isolate was contagious ecthyma virus.