Sheeppox virus (SPV) is the most severe of all the animal pox diseases and can result in some of the most significant economic consequences due to poor wool and leather quality.

Viral proteins help contribute to early gene transcription in the host cytoplasm and expression begins 30 minutes post infection.

After early expression, the viral genome becomes free in the cytoplasm due to the core no longer being coated with the capsid.

140 minutes to 48 hours post infection is considered the late phase which is when all structural proteins are produced.

Contaminated equipment is another major transmission factor and insect vectors play a minor role.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on things such as age, breed, and immunity of the host.

In this phase the sheep may develop rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and swollen lymph nodes, up to eight times the normal size.

Blepharitis can result from papules on the eyelids, mucosa becomes necrotic, and ulcers on the mucous membranes may create discharge.

Due to lymph node swelling and developing lung lesions, breathing can become loud and labored.

[citation needed] The acute phase has passed when the papules become necrotic and scabs start to form.

[8] There have only been two reported cases of zoonotic transmission which result in a mild localized reaction limited to the skin.

Real time PCR results tested positive for SPV and the infected were removed from the population either through death, destruction, or slaughter.

Measures that were taken in response to these outbreaks were proper disposal of the carcasses, movement control within the country, and quarantine.

The most effective control over the disease has been the live, attenuated virus vaccine which have been shown to produce good immunity.