**Tutorial Tuesday** Ringworm Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal skin infection. Any horses suspected of having ringworm should be isolated and there should be no equipment sharing between animals. It is sensible to wear gloves and protective clothing as Ringworm is contagious to other animals and can also be passed onto humans. Ringworm is caused by the fungal species dermatophytes. The two types that can affect horses are Microsporum and Trichophyton. Ringworm legions can be itchy and flakey, and due to the horse itching these areas they can become sore or even infected. Diagnosis of ringworm is simple and can usually be confirmed by a visual inspection of the skin. If the diagnosis is not certain visually then a hair sample is taken from the outer edges of the lesions and sent to the lab for fungal growth, unfortunately this takes several days. Treatment consists of a topical treatment for the horse, disinfection of the environment with a suitable disinfectant that will kill any infected spores. Additionally all brushes and rugs should be disinfected. Spores can live in an environment ie stable, for up to 20 years!!
Posted on: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 08:28:33 +0000
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