Contagious Ecthyma (Sore Mouth or Orf)
Contagious ecthyma is a zoonotic disease which means that can be transmitted between animals and humans. It is caused by a poxvirus that produces a 'chicken pox' type lesion on the skin of sheep, goats, and people. The virus is very resistant to disinfectants and drying and may persist in the environment for years.
Contagious Ecthyma in Animals
The disease in animals takes 2-14 days to develop after exposure to the virus. Pox-like skin lesions in sheep and goats are usually found on the lips, but also may be found on the nose, eyelids, ears, oral cavity, udder, wounds, skin at the top of the hoof or skin between the hoof claws. The lesion progresses through a series of stages: papule, vesicle, pustule and finally crusted lesion. All stages of the lesion are contagious to people or other animals. A lesion is no longer contagious once the crusts fall off, but the crusts may remain contagious in the environment for years. The wool of infected sheep may remain contagious for up to 40 days after lesions have resolved. The virus is spread from animal to animal and from animal to human by direct contact with the animal or by contact with contaminated items like wool, pens, feeders, waterers, and equipment. The disease usually resolves in 3-6 weeks. Sheep and goats may be vaccinated which usually results in life long immunity.
Contagious Ecthyma in Humans
The disease in humans is similar to the disease in animals with a 'chicken pox' type lesion usually developing on the fingers, hands, face or forearms. The sores are usually 1/2 inch in diameter and produce minor discomfort. The disease takes 2-10 days to develop after exposure and lasts for 1-6 weeks. Although there is no specific treatment for the virus, some people may need treatment to prevent secondary bacterial infection.
Safe Work Practices
1. Use Good Personal Hygiene
- Wash your hands after animal contact and before you leave the laboratory or animal facility.
- Do not eat, drink, use tobacco products, take or apply medicine, store human food, handle contact lenses or apply cosmetics in animal facilities and laboratories. Wash your hands before engaging in these activities. Mouth pipetting is prohibited.
2. Wear Personal Protective Equipment
- Wear protective clothing in the animal facility and laboratory. In addition to lab coats or coveralls, some facilities may require additional protective clothing such as shoe coverings or gloves.
- Do not wear soiled protective clothing outside of the laboratory or animal facility. Do not launder soiled protective clothing at home. All soiled nondisposable clothing must be institutionally laundered.
- Protective garments, gloves, and disposable shoe coverings or sanitizable boots must be worn when handling live vaccine or animals with skin lesions.
3. Animal Care
- Isolate animals with skin lesions from the rest of the herd whenever possible.
- Handle and care for animals with skin lesions last.
- Inspect incoming or newly grouped animals for lesions upon arrival to the animal facility and during the quarantine or observation period.
4. Cleaning and Disinfection
- Disinfect laboratory work surfaces daily and after any spills with a disinfectant approved by the facility supervisor.
- Disinfect animal areas and equipment with a disinfectant approved by the facility supervisor.
5. Avoid Exposure to Sharps
- Follow Sharps Precautions when handling sharps (surgical needles, hypodermic needles, hypodermic syringes, scalpel blades, Pasteur pipettes, glassware).
6. Waste Management
- Dispose of laboratory waste, contaminated bedding, animals, their products and items contaminated by their products as approved of by the supervisor.
- Dispose of sharps in a Biohazard Sharp Container.
7. Follow Safety Precautions
- Follow posted Safe Work Practices.
- Follow requirements for entry into and exit from posted areas.
8. Participate in the Occupational Health and Safety Program.
- Provide an annual medical health history to the Gannett Health Center.
- Report accidents, illnesses and zoonotic diseases on the Accident Report Form.
9. Notify the Supervisor
- Notify your supervisor if you suspect a lesion in an animal or yourself.
10. Seek Medical Attention
- Visit the Gannett Health Center Occupational Health Professionals (607) 255-5156 for evaluation and possible treatment if you have a skin lesion or you have been injured with a contaminated sharp object. Let them know you are an animal worker exposed to sore mouth.
Safe work practices reduce the risk of hazards to you, your coworkers and the animals you care for.
If you have any questions, contact Dr. J.M. Peralta at (607) 253-3351 or jmp13@cornell.edu