Scabby mouth, orf, contagious pustular dermatitis, whatever you call it – it’s time to think about this contagious disease as we head into tailing.

Cause - Scabby mouth is caused by an orf virus. It is extremely contagious and will infect people. Some flocks have a 90% infection rate, though this disease mostly affects young lambs.

Signs – Typically crusty, pus filled lesions (pustules) develop around the mouth, over the face, ears and around the hooves. Although lesions are temporary and usually self-resolve, it can result in decreases in growth potential due to reduced feed intake.

Transmission – Transmission occurs through contact between susceptible animals (including people) and the virus which lives within the scabs from infected animals. It is important to wear gloves and wash your hands while handling animals infected with scabby mouth. Skin trauma aids infection, which is why lesions are seen mostly around the mouth and feet. The virus can live for many months within the scab material. Its broken down by water and UV light, but survives well under the shelter of covered yards or woolsheds, and this is where infection may persist on your farm.

Treatment – Treatment isn’t always necessary as lesions can self-resolve, unless pustules become infected. Topical or injectable antibiotics (such as Intracillin LA) could be used in this case.

Prevention - Vaccination is the most effective prevention for scabby mouth infection. We vaccinate with a live viral vaccine, meaning that the animals are infected with a still live virus, in a controlled way. Avoid contact between yourself and the vaccine. It is not necessary to vaccinate if you do not have scabby mouth on your property. There are two live vaccination options available:

• Phenax Classic. 150 dose pen-style applicator.

• Scabigauard 250 dose bottles mounted in gun applicator.

Both require the skin to be broken and dye vaccine applied to the scratch area.

One line is enough. Keep product chilled between use.