Sore mouth infection

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

“Sore mouth” is a viral infection caused by a member of the poxvirus group and is an infection primarily of sheep and goats.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a serious disease that does resemble sore mouth and can affect sheep, goats, cattle, swine, and other “cloven-hoofed” animals. Although FMD has not occurred in the United States since 1929, if there are symptoms you observe in your animals that appear more serious than sore mouth, immediately report it to your veterinarian, to State or Federal animal disease control officials, or to your county agricultural agent.

Geographically, “sore mouth” infection is commonly found throughout the world. According to the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s National Animal Health Monitoring System (USDA APHIS NAHMS) 2001 sheep survey, 40 percent of U.S. operations reported sore mouth infecting their flocks in the previous three years.

Sore mouth is generally found only in sheep and goats. Other ruminants that are occasionally infected include musk oxen and gazelles.

The sore may be painful and can last for 2 months. People do not infect other people. Sores usually heal without scarring.

Animals may become infected more than once in their lifetime but repeat infections usually occur after a year’s time and are usually less severe.

Currently there is no approved treatment for sore mouth. However, the sores may be painful and may become infected with bacteria if not properly managed. If you are experiencing pain, fever, or notice that the sore is becoming rapidly larger or spreading, you should see your primary care provider.

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

“Sore mouth,” also known as “scabby mouth,” or contagious ecthyma, is a viral infection caused by a member of the poxvirus group (specifically orf virus) and is an infection primarily of sheep and goats. The scabs of infected animals contain virus, can fall off, remain in the environment and serve as a source of infection to susceptible animals. A flock can become infected through contaminated bedding, feed or trucks, or by direct contact with infected animals (e.g. replacements brought onto the operation or at shows).

Animals may become infected with sore mouth more than once in their lifetime although infections are likely to occur years apart. Young animals will have the most visible disease because they have not likely been exposed to the virus before and because their immune systems are still developing.

People can become infected with the virus that causes sore mouth. A person who comes into contact with virus from an infected animal or equipment (such as a harness that has rubbed the animal’s sores) can potentially get infected. People often develop sores on their hands (see photos). The sore may be painful and can last for 2 months. People do not infect other people. Sores usually heal without scarring.

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Sore mouth is caused by a poxvirus (specifically orf virus) and is found all over the world. The scabs of infected animals contain virus, can fall off, remain in the environment and serve as a source of infection to susceptible animals. A flock can become infected through contaminated bedding, feed or trucks, or by direct contact with infected animals (e.g. replacements brought onto the operation or at shows).

Animals may become infected with sore mouth more than once in their lifetime although infections are likely to occur years apart. Young animals will have the most visible disease because they have not likely been exposed to the virus before and because their immune systems are still developing.

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a serious disease that does resemble sore mouth and can affect sheep, goats, cattle, swine, and other “cloven-hoofed” animals. Although FMD has not occurred in the United States since 1929, if there are symptoms you observe in your animals that appear more serious than sore mouth, immediately report it to your veterinarian, to State or Federal animal disease control officials, or to your county agricultural agent.

Template:WH Template:WS

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Please help WikiDoc by adding more content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.

Geographically, “sore mouth” infection is commonly found throughout the world. According to the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s National Animal Health Monitoring System (USDA APHIS NAHMS) 2001 sheep survey, 40 percent of U.S. operations reported sore mouth infecting their flocks in the previous three years.

Sore mouth is generally found only in sheep and goats. Other ruminants that are occasionally infected include musk oxen and gazelles.

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Since sore mouth is primarily an illness of sheep or goats, people who handle these animals are at greatest risk of infection. Specific activities that may put you at risk of infection include:

• Bottle feeding, tube feeding, or shearing animals (i.e., sheep or goats)
• Petting or having casual contact with infected animals
• Handling infected equipment
• Working with animals when you have an open cut or skin sore
• Being bitten by an infected animal

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

The sore may be painful and can last for 2 months. People do not infect other people. Sores usually heal without scarring.

Animals may become infected more than once in their lifetime but repeat infections usually occur after a year’s time and are usually less severe.

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