Buffalopox

Lore & Background

The first recorded incidence of buffalopox occurred in India in 1934. Since then, many outbreaks have occurred in parts of the world including Pakistan, Egypt, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The agent causing the disease was not identified until 1977, when researchers Singh and Singh isolated and characterized the virus. In buffaloes, the disease is mainly reported in the young and old, and BPXV can be spread by sand flies and midges. Transmission studies showed that in addition to buffaloes and cows, the virus can also infect guinea pigs and suckling mice. Between 2006 and 2008, there were four outbreaks in domestic buffaloes in India, presenting with lesions on the udder, teats, limbs, around the ear, and hindquarters, indicative of a generalized infection. This led to a reduction of milk yield of about 30–35%, followed by mastitis from secondary bacterial infection. Milk attendants developed lesions on the chest, lower abdomen, fingers, hands, forearms, legs, scapular region, feet, and forehead, along with fever, lymphadenopathy, and general malaise. There is evidence of milk attendants spreading the virus between buffalo and from buffalo to cows.

Reader's Guide

Buffalopox is significant as an emerging and re-emerging zoonotic disease that affects livestock productivity and human health, particularly in regions where buffalo farming is common. The disease causes high morbidity and productivity loss in buffaloes, with mastitis occurring in approximately fifty percent of infected animals, sometimes leading to permanent reduction in milk production. In humans, close contact with infected buffaloes—especially during milking—poses the primary risk, and the cessation of the smallpox vaccine in 1980 has increased human susceptibility to orthopoxviruses like BPXV. Human-to-human transmission has not been reported, but nosocomial infections in burn patients and paramedical staff have occurred. The virus's ability to infect multiple species and its spread by insect vectors highlight the need for continued surveillance and biosecurity measures in endemic areas. The identification of the virus in 1977 and subsequent outbreaks underscore its ongoing relevance to veterinary and public health.

Did You Know?

• The first recorded incidence of buffalopox occurred in India in 1934.
• The virus was isolated and characterized in 1977 by researchers Singh and Singh.
• BPXV can be spread by sand flies and midges.
• Human-to-human transmission of buffalopox has not been reported.