Sore mouth infection prevention
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Prevention
Primary Prevention
Vaccination for Sore Mouth Infection
Currently, there are commercially available preparations of live virus marketed as vaccines. According to the 2001 NAHMS sheep survey, approximately 5 percent of operators reported using a vaccination for sore mouth in replacement or breeding ewes. More operators (14.0 percent) reported vaccinating their nursing lambs for orf.
Producers considering using an orf vaccine product in their flock should consult a veterinarian. Vaccination practices vary depending on breed and geographic location. Use of a vaccine is only suggested for previously infected flocks since the vaccination will cause an orf infection in the animals and lead to contamination of the operation with virus-containing scabs. Studies conducted by experts in Scotland suggest that if a vaccine product is used in a flock, it may decrease the severity of illness.
The virus that causes sore mouth is spread to people by touching infected animals and their equipment. Some animals may or may not have visible sores but may still be able to spread the virus.
The two ways to protect yourself and others include:
1. Wear non-porous (i.e. rubber or latex) gloves when handling sheep or goats, especially when you have an open cut or sore and are handling the animals mouth/muzzle area.
2. Practice good hand hygiene by washing with clean, warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (or use a waterless alcohol-based hand rub when soap is not available and hands are not visibly soiled).
Measures that Lessen the Risk of Sore Mouth Infection
- Reduce the likelihood of mouth/muzzle cuts (e.g. remove thistle or harsh brush from grazing areas)
- Quarantine new animals until sore mouth can be ruled out
- Avoid bringing animals with sore mouth to public events such as fairs and shows
The sore mouth virus survives in soil, and carrier animals may not show symptoms; as a result it is difficult to prevent infection, but using the measures above may assist in prevention.
Sore mouth may be transmitted through saliva. Some owners choose to assist the judges at shows by opening their own animal's mouth. While there is no evidence to prove that this will prevent sore mouth, it is a logical measure to decrease the spread of sore mouth by indirect contact (i.e. from infected animal to judge’s hand to uninfected animal).
Most medical conditions do not affect the immune system enough to prevent your body from fighting off the sore mouth virus on its own. However, if you have an autoimmune disease (e.g. Lupus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis), a transplanted organ, are taking chemotherapy for cancer or are taking corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone), you should talk to your primary care provider about potentially avoiding animal contact. People with these medical conditions have weakened immune systems and the sore mouth virus can cause a serious infection.