Case report of pseudocowpox in a 3 years old cow and the resulting lesions in a 35 years old woman

The causative agent of pseudocowpox is a member of the genus Parapoxvirus. Freshly calved and recently introduced cattle are most susceptible groups to disease. On February 4, 2012 a cow with a history of teat lesions was examined in Jabal village of Urmia-Iran. Examination revealed that lesions were limited only to the teats and circular in shape. After examination and suspecting to pseudocowpox, the milker's (a woman, aged 35) hands were examined to evaluate the probable zoonotic disease and two papules were observed on the fingers. Limitation of the ulcers to the teats, circular shape lesions that change to horseshoe-shaped rings during time and presence of similar lesions in milker’s finger was enough to diagnostic confirmation of pseudocowpox. Recommended measures, such as treatment and isolation of affected cows, or milking them last, the use of disposable paper towels for udder washing, and disinfection of teat cups, appear to have little effect on the spread of the disease. An effort should be made to reduce teat trauma because infection is facilitated by discontinuity of the skin.