JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND VETERINARY MEDICINE
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2536-7099
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/JASVM
Start Year: 2016
Email: jasvm@integrityresjournals.org
Risk factors and economic impact of contagious ecthyma (Orf) in small ruminants of Yobe and Borno States, Nigeria
https://doi.org/10.31248/JASVM2025.609 | Article Number: E28EF2633 | Vol.10 (6) - December 2025
Received Date: 29 September 2025 | Accepted Date: 05 November 2025 | Published Date: 30 December 2025
Authors: GALADIMA, Haruna Baba* , WAZIRI, Ibrahim Musa , ABDULLAHI, Adama Musa , SALMAN, Maryam , ALI, Munira , GASHUA, Muhammad Mamman , USMAN, Bello , DAGONA, Adamu Galadima , FIKA, Idris Ibrahim , LAWAN Adamu and MUSTAPHA Bala Abubakar
Keywords: Nigeria., small ruminants., risk factors., Contagious ecthyma, economic impact
Contagious ecthyma (Orf) is a significant viral disease of small ruminants with substantial economic and animal welfare implications. This study assessed the risk factors, haematological parameters, and economic impact of Orf in sheep and goats in Yobe and Borno States, Nigeria. We employed a mixed-methods approach, combining a cross-sectional survey of 121 farmers, haematological analysis of 12 infected animals, and an economic evaluation. Results revealed high farmer awareness (97.8%) but critical knowledge gaps in herd health management (95.9% unaware) and a complete absence of vaccination. Infected animals showed significant haematological deviations, including anaemia (reduced PCV, Hb, RBC) and systemic stress (elevated WBC). Economically, 36% of farmers incurred losses, primarily driven by mortality. Regression analysis showed that disease exposure, morbidity, and mortality explained 85.9% of the variance in economic losses. The study concludes that Orf poses a substantial burden in the region, highlighting an urgent need for improved veterinary services, farmer education, and vaccine development to mitigate the impact of this zoonotic disease.
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