mousepox

Mousepox is a viral disease of mice caused by ectromelia virus (ECTV), a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family. It naturally infects wild Mus musculus populations and is a well-documented pathogen in laboratory mouse colonies, where outbreaks can cause substantial morbidity and mortality. ECTV is transmitted by direct contact, aerosols, and contaminated objects (fomites); vertical transmission has been reported in some settings but is not the primary driver of spread.

Infected mice exhibit fever, ruffled fur, lethargy, and weight loss, with more conspicuous pox-like lesions on the face, tail, and limbs in some strains. Mortality is highest among young or susceptible mice, and outbreak dynamics depend on host age, genetic background, and viral strain. Pathologically, mousepox can involve the liver, spleen, and lymphoid tissues, with necrosis and systemic immunopathology in severe cases.

Diagnosis is based on clinical signs complemented by laboratory tests such as PCR for ectromelia virus, serology, and virus isolation in specialized facilities, as well as histopathology in lethal cases. There is no widely used vaccine for general animal populations; in laboratory settings, biosecurity measures, monitoring, and quarantine are essential to prevent outbreaks. Some experimental vaccination studies and research use orthopoxvirus antigens to study immune responses.

Mousepox serves as a model for orthopoxvirus infections and host immunity, contributing to understanding poxvirus biology and antiviral strategies. The disease is of concern primarily for research colonies and has limited public health implications.