It has only been seen in mouse colonies kept for research purposes but believed that wild populations of mice and other rodents in Europe are naturally infected with ECTV.

The genomic sequence of ECTV in mice allows us to understand the mechanisms of the disease and the interaction of cells and mediators that represent host protection.

[7] It is important to note that the genetic background of the mouse can affect the infection, which means that host factors are involved in the regulation of susceptibility and resistance to the virus.

For example, wild mice exhibit variable susceptibility, while laboratory strains were useful for determining host resistance factors.

[citation needed] With a fulminant form, clinical symptoms do not have time to manifest, and the death of mice occurs unexpectedly and fast.

Subsequently, on the fingers, ears and tail, foci of necrosis are formed, covered with dark brown crusts, which then disappear.

[citation needed] The animal house must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, preferably with gaseous formalin or vaporized hydrogen peroxide.

Autoclaving, formalin treatment, and common disinfectants will inactivate the ectromelia virus, as will desiccation or detergents.

[8] There are several named strains of ectromelia virus that vary in virulence, including NIH-79, Wash-U, Moscow, Hampstead, St. Louis-69, Beijing-70, and Ishibashi I–III.