Detection and therapeutic management of contagious ecthyma (ORF) in a kid

Abstract

A kid of age two and a half months was presented to Veterinary Clinical Complex (VCC), of Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana with history of skin lesions on fore head and nasal planum, along with alopecia and pruritis since one month. On physical examination, the lesion was observed to be dry and scabby in appearance. History from the animal owner revealed more number of similar cases of skin lesions in same age group of kids, suspecting it to be contagious. Skin scabs on molecular investigation revealed an Orf infection to the kid. The PCR product of 594bp size was generated. The kid was treated with broad spectrum antibiotic along with symptomatic and supportive treatment till complete clinical recovery. The animal owner was briefed about the zoonotic implications of the disease and was advised to take proper hygienic measures while handling the kids.