Orf is a contagious viral disease affecting sheep and goats, especially young lambs. Early awareness helps farmers protect animal health, productivity, and livelihoods effectively. Stay vigilant.

The disease produces red bumps, pustules, and thick scabs around lips, muzzle, and mouth. Lesions may appear on teats, feet, or damaged skin. Act promptly always.

Orf spreads through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated equipment, or environments where the virus survives long. Strict hygiene and biosecurity greatly reduce transmission risks consistently.

There is no specific cure for orf. Treatment emphasizes supportive care, preventing secondary infections, and ensuring affected lambs continue eating and drinking comfortably. Monitor animals closely.

Most infected animals recover within two to four weeks. Live vaccination suits farms with existing infections only because vaccination introduces the virus. Vaccinate responsibly always.

Orf also infects humans, making gloves and proper hygiene essential during handling. Prevention, early detection, and good management minimize welfare problems and productivity losses. Protect everyone.

Abdullah Opeyemi Akande
B.Agric. (FUNAAB)
GAS (NIAS)
M.Sc. Animal Sci. (UI)
RAS (NIAS)
M.Sc. Int’l Business (UU, UK)
Ph.D. in view