[Orf parapoxvirus can infect humans after relevant exposure].

Orf virus occurs worldwide among sheep and goats. Transmission to humans is seen by close contact with infected animals, but the incidence in Denmark is unknown. We present a typical case in a sheep farmer with an orf infection of his hands. Upon conservative treatment the infected areas healed without sequelae. We shortly discuss the epidemiology, the natural history, the treatment and the complications of orf virus.