L'orf, une zoonose virale fréquente mais mal connue

Orf is a worldwide zoonosis due to a poxvirus, with a tropism to epithelial cells. Orf infection, or ecthyma contagiosum, is endemic in many sheeps and goats herds. The lesions are located mostly in the muzzle of the animals. Transmission to humans occurs through direct contact with infected animals. The lesions progress through different stages (macule, papule, nodule and crust) and heal spontaneously without four to six weeks. Histological examination revealed inflammatory cellular infiltrate and typical eosinophilic inclusion bodies in epithelial cells. Parapoxvirus infection is confirmed by RT-PCR. No specific treatment is available. Prevention is based on the hygiene of the breeding animals.