Animal with ORF Virus discovered in Danan Lansing Building at the Winneshiek County Fair

An animal disease has been detected at the Winneshiek County Fair

Winneshiek County Public Health, the Winneshiek County Ag Association and Winneshiek County Extension say a case of ORF virus, also known as "Sore Mouth Infection," was discovered at the Danan Lansing Building (goat and sheep barn) during the Fair.  The virus is primarily found in sheep and goats, but it may be spread to other animals through feeding. It is in the POX family and is similar to herpes virus, like a common cold sore or canker sore.

The virus also may be spread to humans. This occurs mainly if you have broken skin that comes into contact with the virus from infected animals or contaminated equipment.

If you or your family members attended the Winneshiek County Fair from Monday through Thursday and were in the Danan Lansing building petting or touching the animals, county health officials are asking you to monitor signs and symptoms of Sore Mouth Infection.

Symptoms include mild fever, fatigue and localized swelling of lymph nodes.  The infection in humans is usually confined to the epidermis (top layer) of skin.

The animal has been removed from the premises.  The 4H and FFA members and families have been educated.