Variola caprina (Goat Pox) is a contagious viral disease caused by a pox virus that affects goats. The virus usually spreads via the respiratory system, and sometimes spreads through abraded skin. It is most likely to occur in crowded stock. Sources of the virus include cutaneous lesions, saliva, nasal secretions and faeces. There are two types of the disease; the papulo-vesicular form and nodular form (stone pox). The incubation period is usually between 8–13 days, but it may be as short as 4 days.
It is thought the same virus spreads sheep pox, to which European sheep breeds are highly susceptible. The virus may be present in dried scabs for up to 6 months.
In endemic areas the morbidity rate is 70-90% and the mortality rate is 5-10%. The mortality rate may reach nearly 100% in imported animals. Resistant animals may show only a mild form of the disease, which may be missed as only a few lesions are present, usually around the ears or the tail.
Read more about Variola Caprina: Spread of Goat Pox, Clinical Signs