Buffalopox infections

The recent spread of monkeypox to non-endemic countries has trained the spotlight on reemerging viruses such as buffalopox, which was first isolated in India.

About Buffalopox:

• Buffalopox virus (BPXV) is the cause of buffalopox, which was recognized by the FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee on Zoonosis as an important zoonotic disease.
• The zoonotic disease is endemic to India and has its root in smallpox vaccines.
• Live virus used to inoculate buffaloes to produce the smallpox vaccine in India evolved into buffalopox over time.
• It affects domestic buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), cattle and humans.
• Infection occurs in both sporadic and epidemic forms.
• Lesions in milch animals are localized on teats and udders.

Cases in India:

• In 2018, some 28 human cases of buffalopox were diagnosed in Maharashtra’s Dhule
  • A majority of the patients were milkers and therefore had close contact with buffalos. 
• Since the first case in 1934 globally recorded in India, the country has seen several sporadic outbreaks: 
  • From December 1985-February 1987, buffalopox cases were reported from five districts of Maharashtra
  • From 1992-1996, cases were reported from three districts of the state
  • From 2008-2009, seven cases in humans and one in a buffalo in Solapur district as well as 14 human cases in Kolhapur district were recorded.