This summer, I came across outbreaks of ringworm in cattle which were contracted outdoors. It is caused by a fungus named Trichophyton verrucosum and typically outbreaks are initiated indoors, where the spores can survive for years in a dry environment, especially where timber is present in housing. For this reason, it tends to reappear year after year on some farms. Outdoor exposure to the fungus is often via timber fencing and areas of forestry. It is mostly diagnosed based on its appearance and farmers will be familiar with the characteristic grey, crusty, circular lesions, especially on the head and neck and commonly around the eyes. Scratching does not tend to be a feature, which helps to differentiate it from other skin conditions.
This summer, I came across outbreaks of ringworm in cattle which were contracted outdoors. It is caused by a fungus named Trichophyton verrucosum and typically outbreaks are initiated indoors, where the spores can survive for years in a dry environment, especially where timber is present in housing. For this reason, it tends to reappear year after year on some farms. Outdoor exposure to the fungus is often via timber fencing and areas of forestry.
It is mostly diagnosed based on its appearance and farmers will be familiar with the characteristic grey, crusty, circular lesions, especially on the head and neck and commonly around the eyes. Scratching does not tend to be a feature, which helps to differentiate it from other skin conditions.
Young animals that are run down with poor immunity are most at risk. When animals are turned out, exposure to the sun, allied with the improving health of stock, tends to lead to the gradual elimination of the condition. Once recovered, there tends to be no permanent damage to the skin.
Why then, one might ask, should you bother with treatment? Well, it can be very unsightly, especially in severely affected cattle and in such cases you have to think that it must be affecting thrive. Without treatment, it can take several months to resolve and will obviously affect saleability of cattle. Also, it is readily transmitted to humans, with children particularly at risk.
When it comes to treatments, only products licensed for animal treatment have been tested and proven safe for use, non-toxic and effective. A vaccine is available, which can be used as a preventative and to shorten recovery time of affected cattle.
There is also a wash available which contains an anti-fungal medication. Mineral supplementation, meal feeding and regular dosing, particularly of young animals, will boost their immunity.
Dan O’Neill works at Ormonde Veterinary, Barrack St, Kilkenny. Ormonde Veterinary is part of XLVets, a group of progressive practices working together to achieve a better future for agriculture and veterinary in Ireland. For further information go to www.xlvets.ie
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