General Information  

In the Arctic, contagious echthyma (also known as “Orf”) is a disease found in muskoxen, Dall’s sheep, mountain goats and possibly in moose, wapiti (elk), and caribou. It is caused by a virus and spread by direct contact between animals. Infected animals will have scabs or pus-filled blisters on the lips, mouth, nose, around the eyes and ears, and sometimes on the udder or around the tops of the hooves. These scabs are painful and may make it difficult for the animal to eat and walk, leading them to become weak. In rare cases, these skin infections can lead to deeper, whole-body bacterial infections and death. Contagious echthyma is most common in younger animals. The virus is zoonotic, meaning it can transmit between animals and people.