Causes, Spread, Signs and Treatment Options – Eduzim News

By Dr. Trywell Muzerengi –
Ringworm in cattle, medically called dermatophytosis, is a highly contagious fungal skin infection that affects the outer layers of the skin and hair. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with worms. The disease is most commonly seen in young calves and tends to spread quickly during cold months when animals are kept in crowded sheds with poor ventilation.
Cause
The main fungus responsible is Trichophyton verrucosum, which is specially adapted to infect cattle.
How It Spreads
The infection is easily transmitted through:
Direct contact between infected and healthy animals
Sharing of equipment such as ropes, brushes, and halters
Contaminated surfaces in barns and holding areas
Fungal spores that can survive in the environment for long periods
Poor housing conditions, especially overcrowding and limited airflow
Signs to Look Out For
Farmers should be alert to the following symptoms:
Circular grey or whitish crusty patches on the skin
Patchy hair loss, especially on the head, neck, ears, shoulders, and back
Dry, scaly or slightly raised skin lesions
Mild itching in some cases
More severe outbreaks in young or weakened animals
Risk to Humans
Ringworm is a zoonotic infection, meaning it can pass from animals to humans. Farm workers and children are particularly vulnerable. In people, it causes red, ring-shaped, itchy skin rashes, making hygiene very important on affected farms.
Diagnosis
The condition is usually identified based on clinical signs, but it can be confirmed through:
Microscopic examination of skin scrapings (KOH test)
Fungal culture tests
Wood’s lamp examination (though not always reliable for this fungus)
Treatment and Control
Although the disease may clear on its own over time, treatment helps reduce spread and speeds up recovery.

1. Topical Treatment
   Common options include:
   Lime sulfur dips (1:16 dilution)
   Enilconazole sprays (1:100 dilution)
   Iodine-based solutions, miconazole, or chlorhexidine washes
   These are usually applied twice a week until lesions heal.
   “Crusts should be removed carefully with a brush, and contaminated materials must be properly disposed of to prevent reinfection.”
2. Systemic Treatment
   In severe outbreaks, veterinary-prescribed medicines may be used, although some drugs like griseofulvin are restricted in food animals in certain regions. Treatment must always follow veterinary guidance.
3. Prevention and Farm Hygiene
   Control depends heavily on good management practices:
   Regular cleaning and disinfection of barns and equipment
   Avoiding overcrowding of animals
   Improving ventilation in housing areas
   Proper disposal or disinfection of contaminated materials
   Routine inspection of young stock
   Recovery
   Most animals recover within a few weeks, although visible healing may take time. After infection, cattle usually develop natural immunity, reducing the chance of reinfection.
   Conclusion
   Ringworm in cattle is not usually dangerous, but it spreads easily and can cause economic losses through poor hide quality and treatment costs. Early detection, hygiene, and proper housing remain the best methods of control.

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