Dermatomycosis or Ring Worm

It is caused by Trichophyton and Microsporum canis

T. verrucosum (sub specie: album and discoides) T. mentagrophyte, T. megninii

Ringworm is more common where animals are kept indoor and congested. Direct contact with infected animals or infected objects

like bedding is also the cause of disease. Young animals are more susceptible. Incidence is more in winter. Healing spontaneously in spring but humidity is main factor.

Clinical Findings:

• Crust is heavy and grayish white raised above skin

• Lesions are circular and 3 cm in diameter

• In early stages surface below crust is moist

• In older lesions the scab becomes detached and alopecia develops

• Lesions are commonly on neck and head but general distribution over whole body particularly in calves. Itching does not occur

Treatment:

• Crusts are removed by soft brushing and burnt.

• Apply weak solution of iodine, quaternary ammonium compound.

• Bourdeoux mixture (CuSO4 + lime + water), it is basically used in paint.

• 10 % solution of NaI 1g/14 Kg.

• Greseofulvin – it is antifungal

• Aminoglycosides if bacterial infection is there

Control:

• Isolation and treatment of infected animals

• Disinfectant: 5 % formalin, 5 % Na hypochlorite

• 2 % formaldehyde  + 1 % Caustic soda are used for walls

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