Dermatophytosis Flashcards
What are the most common dermatophyte species involved in dermatophytosis (ringworm) in animals?
Trichophyton verrucosum (cattle)
Trichophyton equinum (horses)
Microsporum canis (cats, dogs)
How does dermatophytosis typically present in affected animals?
Patchy, focal/multifocal alopecia with broken hairs
Scaling and crusting
Variable erythema, pruritus, occasional furunculosis
How is dermatophytosis transmitted?
Direct contact with infected animals
Indirect contact via fomites (bedding, grooming tools, tack)
Spores entering through abrasions or skin wounds
Can persist in environment for years
What are key epidemiological factors of dermatophytosis?
Highly transmissible
Affects young & naïve animals more frequently
Zoonotic potential
Animals may remain mycologically positive after clinical resolution
What are the main control measures for managing a dermatophytosis outbreak?
Environmental cleaning & disinfection (e.g. bleach, Virkon, enilconazole)
Treating affected animals with enilconazole rinses (e.g. Imaverol)
Removing crusts before treatment for efficacy
Isolating infected animals if practical
Allowing UV exposure (turning animals out) to aid in natural resolution
What are the potential impacts of dermatophytosis?
Generally minimal impact in cattle but potential zoonosis
In competition animals (e.g. horses), restrictions on movement & competition
In catteries/shelters, it can affect rehoming & may be difficult to eliminate
Economic impact due to treatment costs & facility decontamination
How can dermatophytosis recurrence be prevented?
Routine environmental hygiene & disinfection
Optimising general animal health
Vaccination (Bovilis Ringvac for T. verrucosum in cattle)
Avoiding shared equipment (tack, rugs, grooming tools)
Screening & isolating new arrivals
