Parapoxvirus (PPV) of red deer reveals subclinical infection and confirms a unique species.

Parapoxvirus (PPV) infections are of worldwide importance, particularly in sheep and goat herds. Owing to the zoonotic potential of all PPV species, they are a permanent threat to human health as well. The virus is also known to affect wildlife, as reported for pinnipeds, red deer and several other wild ruminants.

Comparative and retrospective molecular analysis of Parapoxvirus (PPV) isolates.

Species members of the genus Parapoxvirus (PPV) within the family Poxviridae cause contagious pustular dermatitis in small ruminants (Orf virus, ORFV) and mostly mild localized inflammation in cattle (bovine papular stomatitis virus, BPSV and pseudocowpox virus, PCPV). All PPVs are known to be zoonotic, leading to circumscribed skin lesions in humans, historically known as milker's nodules. Human PPV isolates are often ill defined concerning their allocation to an animal origin.