Extensive Definition
Swinepox is a worldwide disease of pigs caused by a virus of the family Poxviridae and
the genus Suipoxvirus. It
is the most common cause of pox disease in pigs, with vaccinia
virus being the next most common cause of outbreaks. It is a
mild disease. Symptoms include papules and pustules on the skin of the
abdomen. Characteristic lesions on the lower abdomen have dark
hemorrhagic centers. Swinepox is transmitted by direct contact and
by the pig louse, Hematopinus
suis.