[Jacob-list] Sore mouth

[Jacobflock at aol.com]

Fred here.  Kathy's note on confusion between FMD and soremouth is worth 
noting.  Sore mouth starts with scabs on the lips and MAY have a tendency to 
appear with stress.  Stress on ewes with lambing and stress at weaning.

Sore mouth is very contagious between sheep but is short lived, rarely fatal.

Sore mouth can be contracted by humans primarily through a cut or abrasion.  
If sheep break out with sore mouth you can get a LIVE VIRUS to treat the 
sheep.  The live virus is applied to the sheep by scratching the skin (making 
an abrasion), apply the live virus.  A scab forms and immunity runs its 
course.  However, if the shepherd gets the live virus into a cut or 
abrasion...or doesn't wash after using the virus...or otherwise carelessly 
handles the virus so that it reaches the dermis or mucous tissue...prepare 
for two months of "Hell"....it can spread and it is an ORFUL experience.   I 
don't think humans have an immunity, as such, to sore mouth so the live virus 
should be handled with gloves and the gloves disposed of.  Throwing the 
unused live virus and gloves in the trash bag in the barn may set up a potent 
source of sore mouth for a decade.   Fred