Dermatophytosis Outbreak Workshop Flashcards
What is the most common cause of dermatophytosis (ringworm) in cattle?
Trichophyton verrucosum
What are the clinical signs of dermatophytosis (ringworm)?
Alopecia/broken hairs
Grey-white crusted lesions
Scaly thickened skin
Patchy lesions
Focal/multifocal
Erythema
Sometimes pruritus
Occasional furunculosis - infected hair follicles
Where are ringworm lesions found on cats and why?
Head and paws - Due to grooming
Describe the epidemiology of dermatophytosis (ringworm) infection in calves?
Very common
Highly transmissible
Direct or indirect transmission
May enter at sites of abrasion
May self-cure with time
Affects young animals in particular
Zoonotic
Animals may remain mycologically infected after appearing cured
Arthrospores remain active in environment for years - spores are very resistant and persistent
How can dermatophytosis (ringworm) outbreak be controlled in calves?
Usually not treated if mild
Isolation ineffective due to spores
Development of natural immunity + UV exposure can resolve clinical signs
Turn out to field => UV exposure
Consider improving underlying health
May take 4-9 months to resolve
If treated, enilconazole rinses of whole animal
Describe the treatment of dermatophytosis (ringworm) in horses
Isolate and treat infected horses
Eniclonazole rinse (imacerol) - remove crusts, treat whole horse x4
Environmental/fomite cleaning - remove organic matter, suitable disinfectant
Lasts 1-3mnths if untreated
Describe the treatment of dermatophytosis (ringworm) in catterys
Housing in designated treatment area
Oral antifungal drug daily (itraconazole) and antifungal wash (miconazole)
Environmental cleaning and monitoring of treatment
What is the potential impact of a dermatophytosis (ringworm) infection in calves?
Minimal impact on calves
Potential zoonoses
May cause ill-thrift/hide damage if pruritic
What is the potential impact of dermatophytosis (ringworm) infection in horses?
Restriction in competition animals (can’t compete
Potential zoonosis
Potential contagion to other horses
How can dermatophytosis recurrence be prevented in calves?
Routine cleaning
Improve hygiene
Optimise general health
Vaccination
How can recurrence of dermatophytosis (ringworm) infection be prevented in horses?
Routine cleaning
Improve hygiene
Avoid sharing fomites (rugs, buckets etc)
Isolation of new entries
How can recurrence of dermatophytosis (ringworm) infection be prevented in catteries?
Routine cleaning
Improve hygiene
Screening measures/isolation of new entries
Minimise sharing fomites between groups
