Orf virus in humans is a common and widespread zoonotic viral infection that affects the skin. It is caused by the parapoxvirus and appears worldwide. Orf virus has many names: contagious pustular ...

Orf virus, a member of the Parapoxvirus genus, is the causative agent of contagious ecthyma – a zoonotic skin disease primarily affecting sheep and goats, with occasional human infections.

How are human orf viral infections generally transmitted? This new report looks at incidents in occupational settings, and also in the general community.

In humans, orf usually appears as painful sores on the fingers, hands, forearms, or face. People can get orf through contact with infected animals, such as feeding, petting, or being bitten.