
Orf – Assessing the rapid risk to ruminants
From Diseases & Diagnoses by Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
April 7, 2026 · 10 min
About this episode
This episode discusses the Orf virus affecting ruminants and essential biosafety practices to mitigate its spread.
Orf is a highly contagious virus. Sheep and goats are the species primarily affected, with young lambs and kids being more susceptible due to their underdeveloped immune systems. It's critical that if you suspect Orf in your flock or herd that critical steps are implemented to mitigate the spread. In this episode Dr. Brandon Dominguez discusses biosafety practices, testing options, and other essential factors with Dr. Michael Piccione and TVMDL's new serology section head, Dr. Suzanna Storms.
People in this episode
Host: Dr. Brandon Dominguez
Guests: Dr. Michael Piccione, Dr. Suzanna Storms
Topics covered
- Orf virus
- ruminants
- biosafety practices
- testing options
- sheep
- goats
- disease mitigation
Keywords
- Orf
- contagious virus
- sheep
- goats
- lambs
- kids
- immune systems
- biosafety
- testing
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
Places: Texas
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