SE 135

COWPOX
WMSU Presented by:

BAILLO, JULIE ROSE T.

BSSE - 3
CAUSATIVE AGENT
• Cowpox virus from Orthopoxvirus genus
MODE OF TRANSMISSION
• Human infection results from direct contact with an
infected animal, usually rodents and cats.
• primarily transmitted through direct contact with
infected animals, especially cows.
RESERVOIR
• Wild rodents
COMMON VEHICLE
• There isn't a specific common vehicle associated with
cowpox transmission.
INCUBATION PERIOD
• 7–12 days
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Cowpox infection in humans typically presents
with the following symptoms:
• Fever
• Pustular skin lesions (usually on the hands or
face)
• Swelling of nearby lymph nodes
• General malaise and fatigue
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Vomiting
• Sore throat
• Eye complaints such as conjunctivitis,
periorbital swelling and corneal involvement
• Enlarged painful local lymph nodes may also
develop
COWPOX DISEASE
PRESENT IN A CAT
PREVENTION AND CONTROL
• One may prevent infection with cowpox virus by avoiding exposure to sick cats or other sick animals.
• Avoid direct contact with infected animals or their secretions.
• Practice good hand hygiene, especially after handling animals.
• Wear protective clothing, such as gloves, when dealing with potentially infected animals.
• Avoid touching the face, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth, after handling animals.
• Rodent control measures may also help reduce the risk, as rodents can serve as reservoirs for the
virus.
DESCRIBE THE DISEASE
• Cowpox is a skin disease caused by a virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease in
humans presents as localised lesions mainly on fingers, hands or the face, in the form of red blisters.
The disease is self-limiting in immunocompetent persons.
• Cowpox is an infectious disease caused by the cowpox virus (CPXV). It presents with large blisters in
the skin, a fever and swollen glands, historically typically following contact with an infected cow,
though in the last several decades more often (though overall rarely) from infected cats. The hands
and face are most frequently affected and the spots are generally very painful.
OTHER NAME OF THE DISEASE
• Vaccinia
INTERESTING FACTS
• No specific treatment is available. There is no known evidence of human to human
transmission of the virus.
• Almost the same as smallpox but it is milder.
• After inoculation, vaccination using the cowpox virus became the primary defense against
smallpox.
• Today, cowpox is a rare disease on humans
• Immunity to cowpox is gained when the smallpox vaccine is administered
• The virus is prevalent in late summer and autumn.
HISTORY
• The cowpox virus got its name hundreds of years ago, from a rash that developed in
dairymaids that touched the udders of infected cows. Back in 1770, an English farmer
discovered that dairymaids that had contracted and recovered from cowpox not only became
immune to further cases of cowpox, but also to the more serious viral disease, smallpox. In
1796 English physician, Dr Edward Jenner used the cowpox virus to inoculate a patient to
prevent them from contracting smallpox. Hence this was the first successful vaccination
performed.
MOST LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED
• Cats
• Humans (Farmers and Agricultural Workers, Veterinarians, Animal Handlers
and Enthusiasts, People with Weakened Immune Systems)\

VACCINE/MEDICATION
• There isn't a specific vaccine for cowpox, but the smallpox vaccine (vaccinia
vaccine) can provide some protection against cowpox since it belongs to the
same Orthopoxvirus family.
• There is no specific antiviral medication for cowpox. Treatment is typically
supportive and aimed at relieving symptoms. In severe cases, especially for
individuals with weakened immune systems, hospitalization may be required,
and antiviral medications or immune-modulating drugs may be considered.
That’s all