Poxvirus Zoonoses — Putting Pocks into Context

Naturally occurring poxvirus infections affect humans and many species of animals and insects. Smallpox, the dreaded disease caused by the only human-specific orthopoxvirus pathogen, variola, was successfully eradicated in the last century by the induction of cross-protection through vaccination with vaccinia virus, an iatrogenic zoonosis. In the future, cases of smallpox will occur only if there is an accidental or intentional release of smallpox virus into the environment. However, infections of humans with animal poxviruses may be confused with smallpox. The growing popularity of exotic animals as household pets increases the concern about the spread of animal poxviruses to humans, . . .