Introduction Contagious ecthyma, also known as orf, contagious pustular dermatitis, sore mouth or scabby mouth, is a highly contagious eruptive skin condition of sheep, goats and other ruminants, although zoonotic transmission also occurs. Orf disease affects mainly young animals in the first year of their life, with severe outbreaks generally associated with intensive sheep husbandry or transport. Orf virus belongs to the genus Parapoxvirus, family Poxviridae, sub-family Chordopoxvirinae. 1 It is a pathogen with worldwide distribution, causing significant financial losses in livestock production. Transmission of orf is from direct or indirect contact with the orf virus from pustules of infected animals containing-virus or live vaccines, causing painful lesions in sheep and goats, and potentially people, especially farmers and veterinarians. Orf is very resistant in the environment, particularly in dry atmospheres, with the virus shown to be infective for up to 17 years. 2 Clinical