Ringworm is a fungal skin infection caused by Microsporum and Trycophyton species. The infection can pass readily between horses and can even infect other species, including humans (contact a doctor if you have signs of ringworm infection).
Transmission of the fungus between horses occurs by direct contact, sharing tack or grooming equipment between horses or contact with contaminated trailers, stables or fencing, the fungi are relatively resistant so can live on wooden structures for long periods. |
Signs:
Affected horses will usually start with a small spot where the hair is lost. These areas then spread. The hair will fall out and the skin is usually scurfy or will have thick scabs and in some cases may be itchy.
These signs can take up to three weeks to develop after initial infection. |
Diagnosis:
The signs may be enough to make a diagnosis, however, a skin scraping can be taken and then examined under a microscope to reveal fungal spores. The fungus can also be grown in a laboratory in a similar way to growing bacteria, however, this can take several weeks so treatment has usually already been completed before the results are obtained. |
Treatment:
Without treatment most ringworm infections will resolve on their own after about 6-12 weeks. Due to the risk of spread to other horses, however, treatment is normally taken to reduce this risk.
The affected areas are usually treated with an anti-fungal solution, this can prescribed by your vet. Before treating the areas any scabs or scaly skin should be removed by washing with an antiseptic solution.
In severe cases griseofulvin, an anti-fungal agent can be given in feed for 10-14 days. This should be used in combination with the solutions as described above.
Once the animal has recovered the hair should start to grow back. The horse will also have a relatively long lasting immunity against future infection. |
Prevention:
Any new horses entering a yard should be placed in isolation for 2-3 weeks and monitored for signs of infection. This should also be carried out to prevent any contagious disease especially respiratory infection. |
Lameness
