[Catpox in Germany].

Since the initial detection of pox in domestic cats in Germany 1988, fourteen further cases have been confirmed and the infective agent (a cowpox-like virus) identified. The disease was not recognized in the field and was detected only by coincidence during a laboratory investigation. Cats become sick between June and November in different regions of the country. Current epidemiological and infectiological findings are discussed. Of special interest to veterinarians and physicians alike is the role of catpox as a potential human pathogen.