
Type Species	Sheeppox virus	(SPPV)

Distinguishing Features

Virions are brick-shaped, about 300 270 200 nm. Infectivity is sensitive to trypsin and ether. Genus includes viruses of sheep, goats and cattle. Viruses can be mechanically transmitted by arthropods and by direct contact, or by fomites. DNA is about 154 kbp. There is extensive DNA cross-hybridization between species. In addition, extensive serologic cross-reaction and cross-protection is observed among members.

List of Species Demarcation Criteria in the Genus

The only provisional species demarcation criteria currently available is restriction enzyme polymorphism analysis.

List of Species in the Genus

Official virus species names are in italics. Tentative virus species names, alternative names ( ), strains or serotypes are not italicized. Virus names, genome sequence accession numbers [ ], and assigned abbreviations ( ) are:

Species in the Genus