What is "parapoxvirus"

n. Any of many poxviruses, of the genus (taxlink Parapoxvirus genus), that have a spiral coat.

Parapoxvirus is a genus of viruses, in the family Poxviridae, in the subfamily Chordopoxvirinae. Like all members of the Poxviridae family, they are oval, relatively large, double-stranded DNA viruses. Parapoxviruses have a unique spiral coat that distinguishes them from other poxviruses. Parapoxviruses infect vertebrates, including a wide selection of mammals, and humans.

Not all parapoxviruses are zoonotic. Notable zoonotic hosts of parapoxviruses include sheep, goats, and cattle.

The most recent species of parapoxviruses has been found in New Zealand Red Deer. There are also some tentative species in the genus, including Auzduk disease virus, Chamois contagious ecthyma virus, and Sealpox virus.