We report a sequencing protocol and 121-kb poxvirus sequence from a clinical sample from a horse in Finland with dermatitis. Based on phylogenetic analyses, the virus is a novel parapoxvirus associated with a recent epidemic; previous data suggest zoonotic potential. Increased awareness of this virus and specific diagnostic protocols are needed.
Keywords: Finland; high-throughput nucleotide sequencing; horses; parapoxvirus; taxonomic classification; viruses; zoonoses.