The National Elk Refuge has reached out to all wildlife guiding companies to warn of a potential viral outbreak of orf virus, also known as sore mouth infection, on the refuge. 

The wintering population of bighorn sheep on the refuge are showing visual clinical signs of battling the infection, which typically infects sheep and goats but is contagious to humans. According to the CDC, “Animals infected with orf virus typically develop scabby sores around their lips, muzzle, and in their mouth. Humans that are infected typically develop ulcerative lesions or nodules on their hands.” Refuge biologists are awaiting lab results to verify the presence of the virus.

Raena Parsons, Visitor Services Manager at the National Elk Refuge, said, “There are a lot of apparent infected animals indicating the virus is likely widespread in the herd. Healthy adult sheep are expected to recover from the visual clinical signs within 3-6 weeks.” Unfortunately, infected animals are more susceptible to secondary infections which increases their risk of dying.

Photo by ETA Social Media Manager Kelsey Wellington.

How can humans contract orf virus?

Infections in humans occur when broken skin comes into contact with the virus from sources such as infected animals or contaminated equipment such as vehicles. On the National Elk Refuge, in particular, bighorn sheep are habituated to people and regularly approach vehicles to lick salt and minerals from them. This transfer of saliva to vehicles spreads the disease both among the herd and increases the risk of humans contracting the virus. 

What can I do to protect myself?

It’s important to always keep your vehicle moving when animals are nearby, both to reduce the virus’s spread and to discourage animals from approaching humans and vehicles. Additional helpful tactics for avoiding contact with bighorn sheep on the refuge is to honk your horn or slap the side of your vehicle. If any sheep approach your parked vehicle in the designated parking spots, please relocate as quickly as possible. Please do your part to keep both the wildlife and yourself safe!

Kelsey Wellington, ETA Social Media Manager, holds a BS degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of New Hampshire, and an MFA degree in Creative Nonfiction Writing from Lindenwood University.