The spelling of "Orf virus" is based on its pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ɔːrf/ for the first syllable, which is pronounced with an open-mid back rounded vowel sound. The second syllable is written as /vaɪrəs/ and is pronounced with a long "i" sound, followed by the unstressed schwa sound. The Orf virus is a contagious disease that affects mainly sheep and goats, causing skin lesions and affecting the immune system.
Orf virus, also known as contagious ecthyma or sore mouth, is a zoonotic viral infection primarily affecting sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed animals. It is caused by a DNA virus belonging to the Parapoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family. Orf virus is characterized by the development of raised, contagious skin lesions, primarily on the lips, mouth, and muzzle of the infected animals.
In animals, including humans, Orf virus primarily spreads through direct contact with infected animals or fomites such as feeding troughs, bedding, or fences contaminated with the virus. The virus enters the body through breaks in the skin, leading to the formation of small, red papules which progressively develop into fluid-filled vesicles and then into pus-filled sores. These lesions can be painful and may cause discomfort and difficulty in eating, resulting in loss of appetite and weight loss in affected animals.
In humans, Orf virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated fomites. The virus causes self-limiting skin lesions characterized by red, raised papules that eventually develop into fluid-filled vesicles or pustules. These lesions are usually localized and can occur on the hands, fingers, forearms, or other parts of the body that come into direct contact with the infected animal. The disease is typically self-resolving, healing within a few weeks without any specific treatment.
Orf virus infections in animals can be prevented through good hygiene practices, including proper washing and disinfection of equipment and minimizing contact with infected animals. In humans, preventive measures include wearing protective gloves when handling infected animals, promptly washing hands after contact, and avoiding direct contact with lesions or animal products derived from infected animals.
The word "Orf" originated from the Old Norse word "orfi", meaning "scab" or "itch", which is closely related to the Old English word "orf", meaning "rough, scabby disease". The term "Orf virus" specifically refers to a contagious virus that causes a skin disease called Orf, also known as contagious ecthyma or contagious pustular dermatitis. The word "virus" itself has its origins in Latin, where "virus" referred to a slimy liquid or poison.