Sealpox
Encyclopedia
Sealpox is a cutaneous condition caused by parapoxvirus
, usually affecting seal handlers who have been bitten by infected harbor
or grey seal
s.
Parapoxvirus
Parapoxviruses belong to the Poxviridae family. Like all members of that family, they are oval, relatively large, double-stranded DNA viruses. Parapoxviruses have a unique spiral coat that distinguishes them from other poxviruses. Parapoxviruses infect vertebrates.Not all parapoxviruses are...
, usually affecting seal handlers who have been bitten by infected harbor
Harbor Seal
The harbor seal , also known as the common seal, is a true seal found along temperate and Arctic marine coastlines of the Northern Hemisphere...
or grey seal
Grey Seal
The grey seal is found on both shores of the North Atlantic Ocean. It is a large seal of the family Phocidae or "true seals". It is the only species classified in the genus Halichoerus...
s.