What Causes Warts on Sheep

Warts (papillomas) are benign cutaneous tumors that have been rarely reported in sheep. 14 These lesions are caused by small DNA viruses of the Papillomavirus genus of the Papovaviridae family. The typical distribution in sheep is similar to that seen in this study.

How do you treat livestock warts?

Vaccines are considered to protect cattle, but they have not been found to be of value in treatment. Warts can be removed surgically with a scissors or a side cutter. Bleeding can be controlled, if a problem, with silver nitrate applicator sticks. A wound spray should be applied to prevent problems with flies.

What does ORF look like in sheep?

Orf is characterised by the appearance of scabby lesions on the lips and nostrils. These may spread to the gums, palate and tongue, and severely affected lambs may be unable to feed for several days, becoming debilitated and prone to other diseases.