Which of these occupations is at risk for Orf disease?

Which of these occupations is at risk for Orf disease?

• A. Fishermen
• B. Shepherds
• C. Restaurant chefs
• D. Construction workers

Answer: (B)

Orf disease, also known as infectious ecthyma, is a viral skin infection caused by the orf virus, which primarily affects sheep and goats. Humans can contract this disease through direct contact with infected animals, particularly during activities such as handling or caring for them. Shepherds are particularly at risk because they frequently work with sheep and are likely to come into contact with the animals' skin, lesions, and bodily fluids. In contrast, other occupations like fishermen, restaurant chefs, and construction workers have minimal direct interaction with livestock, significantly reducing their risk of exposure to the orf virus. Consequently, shepherds are the occupation predominantly associated with orf disease due to the nature of their work and the likelihood of encountering infected animals.

Orf disease, also known as infectious ecthyma, is a viral skin infection caused by the orf virus, which primarily affects sheep and goats. Humans can contract this disease through direct contact with infected animals, particularly during activities such as handling or caring for them. Shepherds are particularly at risk because they frequently work with sheep and are likely to come into contact with the animals' skin, lesions, and bodily fluids.

In contrast, other occupations like fishermen, restaurant chefs, and construction workers have minimal direct interaction with livestock, significantly reducing their risk of exposure to the orf virus. Consequently, shepherds are the occupation predominantly associated with orf disease due to the nature of their work and the likelihood of encountering infected animals.