Sore Mouth in Sheep and Goats: What Owners Need to Know

 

For sheep and goat owners, one condition worth recognizing is sore mouth, also known as orf or contagious ecthyma. Understanding what sore mouth is, how it spreads, and how to support affected animals can help livestock owners respond thoughtfully while protecting both their animals and themselves.

What Is Sore Mouth?

Sore mouth is a contagious viral disease caused by the orf virus, a type of parapoxvirus. It occurs worldwide and primarily affects sheep and goats. One of the most recognizable signs is the development of sores or lesions around an animal’s lips, muzzle, and mouth. Lesions can also occur elsewhere on the body. Nursing animals, for example, can develop lesions on their teats or udders after exposure to infected young. While many animals recover completely, the location of the lesions can create additional challenges. Young animals with painful sores may have difficulty nursing, while older animals with oral lesions may have trouble eating.

How Does Sore Mouth Spread?

Sore mouth is highly contagious. The virus can spread through direct contact with infected animals as well as contaminated equipment and environments. The CDC notes that preventing infection can be particularly difficult because the orf virus can survive in the environment.

Good management practices can help reduce exposure. These include:

• Isolating animals showing signs of sore mouth.
• Cleaning and disinfecting shared feeding equipment and facilities.
• Practicing good hygiene between handling sick and healthy animals.
• Examining and isolating newly introduced animals before adding them to the flock or herd.
• Monitoring animals closely so lesions can be identified early.

During an outbreak, your veterinarian can also help you determine an appropriate management plan for your specific operation.

Don’t Forget: People Can Get Sore Mouth, Too

One of the most important things livestock owners should know about sore mouth is that it is zoonotic, meaning the virus can spread from animals to people. People can become infected when the virus enters through a cut or abrasion after contact with an infected animal or contaminated equipment. Human infections commonly cause sores or nodules on the hands or forearms. The CDC recommends wearing rubber or latex gloves when handling sheep or goats—particularly when touching the mouth, muzzle, or lesions—and washing hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward. Taking precautions isn’t just about protecting your animals. It’s about protecting the people caring for them, too.

Supporting Animals With Sore Mouth

Because sore mouth is caused by a virus, management typically focuses on supporting the affected animal and addressing complications such as secondary infections. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that treatment generally focuses on secondary infections. This is where having the right products available as part of your livestock-care routine can be helpful.

DF Crosley Sore Mouth Relief is a topical antimicrobial formula designed for sheep and goats. According to the manufacturer, the formula assists in controlling fungal and bacterial infections and is intended to help eradicate and prevent secondary infections that can be present with sore mouth virus.

The product is applied topically to infected and surrounding areas. The manufacturer also recommends isolating affected animals to help reduce spread throughout the flock or herd and to humans. Always follow current label directions when using any animal-health product.

Learn more about DF Crosley Sore Mouth Relief →

Prevention Starts With Good Management

There isn’t a single management practice that can eliminate every risk, but good husbandry can make a meaningful difference. The CDC recommends practices such as removing thistles and harsh brush from pastures, disinfecting shared feed troughs and animal-care areas, practicing good hand hygiene, and isolating new animals until sore mouth has been ruled out. When checking your animals, look closely around the lips and muzzle. Watch for changes in eating or nursing behavior. Check nursing females for lesions around their teats. And when something doesn’t look right, investigate early rather than waiting for the problem to progress.

Raise With Purpose. Care With Intention.

Raising livestock with purpose isn’t about expecting that your animals will never become sick. Knowing the signs of common conditions like sore mouth, practicing good biosecurity, protecting yourself while handling affected animals, and having supportive animal-care products available are all part of responsible livestock ownership. The more we understand our animals, the better prepared we are to care for them.

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Orf Virus in Animals.
https://www.cdc.gov/orf-virus/about/orf-virus-in-animals.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About Orf Virus (Sore Mouth Disease).
https://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/orf_virus

Merck Veterinary Manual. Contagious Ecthyma in Sheep and Goats. Updated February 2026.
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/integumentary-system/pox-diseases/contagious-ecthyma-in-sheep-and-goats

Basic Animal Health. DF Crosley Sore Mouth Relief for Sheep & Goats.
https://basicanimalhealth.com/products/df-crosley-sore-mouth-relief

This article is intended for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Consult your veterinarian regarding diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, or disease-control decisions for your flock or herd.