Definition & Meaning of "cowpox"

What is "cowpox"?

Cowpox is a viral infection that mainly affects cows but can also infect humans. It belongs to the Orthopoxvirus family and is closely related to the virus that causes smallpox. In cows, cowpox typically causes mild symptoms, including skin wounds and fever. However, humans can get cowpox through direct contact with infected cows or contaminated materials. In humans, cowpox usually results in painful or itchy wounds, often focused on the hands or arms. Historically, cowpox played a significant role in the development of the smallpox vaccine, because individuals infected with cowpox became immune to smallpox. Today, cases of cowpox in humans are rare, due to widespread vaccination against smallpox.