Cowpox is a viral infection that is primarily found in Europe, especially in the United Kingdom. The disease is most commonly spread through direct contact with an infected ulcer on a cow's teat. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with an infected cat, bank voles, wood mice, and field voles. Transmission from these animals to humans is rare, however. Symptoms in a person who contracts cowpox are similar to those experienced after getting the smallpox vaccine, including a rash that develops where the skin touched the infected ulcer. A few other possible symptoms include a fever, chills, loss of appetite, and swelling of lymph nodes.