Sheep pox

Sheep pox febrile virus disease can cause heavy mortality and severe wool damage. Immunity is short so that annual vaccination is necessary - a costly and difficult procedure with large numbers of sheep on rangelands. The virus is comparatively resistant to physical and chemical agents and disinfection of premises is difficult.

Sheep pox is widely distributed in the semi-arid tropics of Africa and Asia. Introduced European breeds are especially susceptible.