Orthopoxvirus

Abstract

There have been some reports on the emergence of human infections by pox viruses since smallpox was eradicated globally in 1979 [1]. However, different pox viruses such as cowpox virus (CPXV), buffalopox virus (BPXV), and vaccinia virus (VACV) (genus Orthopoxvirus [OPV]) and orf virus, bovine papular stomatitis, and pseudocowpox (genus Parapoxvirus) can cause very similar lesions in cattle and animal handlers [2]. In general, OPVs carrying genes responsible for host immune evasion pose a threat to livestock and humans as potential biowarfare agents.