Cowpox is an infection caused by a virus. Cowpox is mainly found in Europe, particularly in the UK.
Cowpox is caused by the cowpox virus. The cowpox virus is within the family Poxviridae and the genus Orthopoxvirus. Other orthopoxviruses that cause infections in humans include:
Cowpox virus was used to make the first successful smallpox vaccine (today, the vaccinia virus is used).
Cowpox most commonly is 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.
Cowpox is found in wild rodents, most commonly in bank voles, wood mice, and field voles, although transmission from these animals to humans is rare. There has been one proven case of rodent-to-human transmission. Other animals that can transmit cowpox include animals in zoos and circuses.
Person-to-person transmission has not been reported.
When a person becomes infected with the virus that causes cowpox, the virus begins to multiply within the body. After 9 to 10 days, cowpox symptoms can begin. This period between the transmission of cowpox and the start of cowpox symptoms is called the "cowpox incubation period."
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