Orf (animal disease)

See Orf (disambiguation) for other meanings.

Orf is a viral disease found primarily in sheep and goats that is caused by a parapox virus. People can contract this disorder by direct innoculation from the mouth of infected sheep and goats. It causes a purulent appearing papule locally and generally no systemic symptoms. The papule may persist for 7 to 10 weeks and spontaneously resolves. It is an uncommon condition and not usually recognized by most doctors.

While Orf is usually a benign self limiting illness, it can be very progressive and even life threatening in the immune compromised host. One percent topical cidofovir has been successfully used in a few patients with progressive disease.