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
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.