A new poxvirus

A new poxvirus

Otter pox story TR14-018After studying unusual skin lesions seen in two orphaned sea otter pups, UF scientists and their collaborators have identified a previously unknown poxvirus in the infected animals. “To our knowledge, this is the first report of a poxvirus in a mustelid, the group of mammals including otters, mink, badgers and related species,” said James Wellehan, D.V.M., Ph.D., an assistant professor at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine who specializes in virology and zoological medicine. Members of the poxvirus family cause significant disease affecting both animal and human populations, and the emergence of smallpox in humans became a global pandemic. The scientists say the potential for transmission of this particular poxvirus to humans is unclear. Although no pox infections have been reported in humans exposed to sea otters, the scientists advise wearing protective clothes and gloves when handling these animals, either in the wild or in rehabilitation settings. — Sarah Carey