Orf, also known as contagious ecthyma, is a zoonotic disease that has led to great economic losses in livestock production globally [1]. The disease mainly affects goats and sheep, but also affects other ruminants and mammals such as musk ox, steenbok, reindeer, dog, and cat [1, 2].
How do you get rid of orf in sheep?
Orf can affect sheep of all ages and has serious welfare implications. It causes scabs and lesions usually in the mouth area, but can affect udders and feet as well. There isn't a cure to get rid of the virus once it has become established in the animal; however, the secondary infections can be treated.
What is the best treatment for orf in sheep?
Treating orf
- Treatment is largely unsuccessful, apart from in lambs with superficial secondary bacterial infection of scabs.
- Lambs with these scabs show a good response to either intramuscular procaine penicillin or oxytetracycline injections and topical oxytetracycline spray for three to five consecutive days.
