Orf insights: Establishing current prevalence, treatment practices and opinions of UK sheep farmers

An anonymous online survey was conducted to establish orf prevalence, perceived cost, and current treatment protocols. Additionally, respondents were asked about future product development and some questions regarding farm demographics and orf as a zoonosis. Eighty eight percent of respondents reported seeing orf in their sheep, with lesions predominately occurring on the muzzle in lambs and udder in ewes, although several other areas were also reported to have orf lesions. National mean flock prevalence of orf was estimated at 12.8% in naturally reared lambs and 4.9% in adult ewes. The median perceived cost per affected lamb was £5 (IQR £1-£20), with median perceived flock cost at £100 (IQR: £20-£300). A variety of treatments were used by respondents to treat orf, with the most commonly selected treatment being topical antibiotics (65.2%), pain relief (34.5%), and systemic antibiotics (26.7%). Rock salt was used by 13.6% as part of their treatment and management of orf. Culling due to orf was reported by 12.0% of respondents, with udder lesions being the most common reason for this. When asked about orf as a zoonosis, 30.2% of respondents reported that they have had orf lesions themselves. This study highlights the economic impacts of orf virus on UK sheep holdings and the lack of an evidence base for the treatment and management for orf. • Orf virus lesions had been seen by 88.8% of respondents on their sheep • Median cost per affected lamb was £5 (IQR:£1-£20) and flock was £100 (IQR:£20-£300) • Topical antibiotics were used by 65.2% of respondents to treat orf • 22.7% using both injectable and topical antibiotics to treat orf • 30.2% of respondents had contracted orf themselves