What You Need to Know About Sheep Pox and Goat Pox

Sheep pox and goat pox may not make headlines often, but for farmers and veterinarians, these viral diseases are a serious concern. Found mostly in parts of southeastern Europe, Africa, and Asia, they can cause major health issues in flocks—and in severe cases, even death. So what exactly are these diseases, and how can they be prevented?

What Are Sheep Pox and Goat Pox?

Sheep pox and goat pox are caused by viruses in the Capripoxvirus genus, which also includes the virus behind lumpy skin disease in cattle. These viruses are not dangerous to humans, but they are highly contagious among sheep and goats. While some virus strains affect one species more severely than the other, others can infect both sheep and goats with equal intensity.

The viruses—Sheeppox virus (SPPV) and Goatpox virus (GTPV)—are closely related and cause similar symptoms in both animals. The disease usually starts to show up within a few days after infection: the incubation period is 4–8 days for sheep and 5–14 days for goats.

Symptoms to Watch For

Early signs of infection include fever and general sickness. Affected animals may develop swollen eyelids and thick nasal discharge that crusts around the nostrils. One of the most noticeable features is the appearance of skin lesions. These usually start as red patches and quickly become raised, circular nodules. You’ll often see them on the muzzle, ears, and other areas without wool or long hair.

Over time, these nodules harden into dark scabs that can leave star-shaped scars when they fall off. In severe cases, the virus can even affect the lungs. Some animals—depending on breed and individual health—may show only mild symptoms or none at all.

How It Spreads

Sheep pox and goat pox spread in several ways:

Direct contact with infected animals or their lesions
Airborne transmission through droplets
Biting insects that carry the virus from one animal to another

Because of how easily it spreads, an outbreak can move rapidly through a flock if not managed quickly.

Don’t Confuse It With Orf

It’s important not to mistake sheep pox or goat pox for contagious ecthyma, also known as orf. Orf is another viral disease that causes crusty sores around the mouth, but it's generally much milder and doesn’t cause the widespread skin nodules or internal symptoms that pox viruses do.

Prevention and Control

Fortunately, there are vaccines available. Both live attenuated vaccines (weakened forms of the virus) and inactivated vaccines (killed virus) have been developed. Live vaccines tend to provide longer-lasting immunity. Once an animal recovers from infection, it typically develops strong, lasting immunity.

The Bottom Line

Sheep pox and goat pox are serious diseases that require attention—but they’re manageable with proper vaccination and biosecurity practices. Understanding the signs, knowing how the virus spreads, and responding quickly to an outbreak can make all the difference in protecting animal health and livelihoods.

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