Orf is a disease that occurs in sheep and goats, especially young lambs and kids, worldwide.
Outbreaks can occur at anytime but are most common in dry conditions when the sheep are in pasture.
The disease is very contagious by direct contact and fomites to areas of broken skin. Scabs and lesions remain infective for a long period of time. Lesions begin at the oral mucocutaneous junction, oral commissures and spread to muzzle, oral cavity, ears, anus, scrotum and vulva. Typical lesions include papules, pustules, and scabs covering ulceration, granulation and inflammation. Lambs cannot suck or graze.