Ringworm, also known by its clinical name, Dermatophytosis, is a highly contagious skin disease found in horses. It’s not a worm as suggested by its name; instead, it’s caused by fungi that thrive on keratin—the protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails. The main characteristic of this disease is hair loss resulting from fungal growth at the hair roots. Below we will delve deeper into its symptoms, causes, and prevention, making this information easily accessible even for those without a veterinary background.
Tracking the Symptoms
Ringworm manifests as distinctive, scurfy skin patches where hair appears matted and eventually falls out, leaving behind greyish scales. These patches are initially small but tend to grow gradually, often merging into larger areas. The skin around these patches frequently becomes inflamed and itchy, creating discomfort for the horse.
Understanding the Causes
The usual culprits behind ringworm in horses are poor management and unhygienic conditions. These factors create an ideal environment for the fungi to proliferate. They may be present in dirty stables, uncleaned grooming equipment, or certain types of feed.
People often overlook these factors due to their everyday nature, but they can contribute to disease transmission. Hence, recognizing their role and acting to improve conditions is essential in preventing the spread of ringworm.
Prevention is Better than Cure
In the case of ringworm, prevention is undoubtedly better than cure. Regular cleaning and disinfection of stables, grooming tools, and other equipment used by horses should be an integral part of stable management to reduce the risk of ringworm spread.
Similarly, it’s essential to inspect food supplies and feed storage areas regularly to ensure that there’s no possibility of fungi growth that could impact your horse’s health. It might seem like a small act, but implementing comprehensive and regular cleaning procedures can play a significant role in saving your horse from pesky and discomforting conditions like ringworm.
In Treatment: Isolation and Disinfection
Ringworm is a contagious disease that can not only spread between horses but also affect humans and other animals. As such, isolation and disinfection are crucial steps in treatment.
Be Mindful of Tack, Grooming Kits, and Rugs
Transmission often occurs via tack, grooming kits, and rugs, as well as direct contact with infected horses. To minimize the spread of ringworm, it’s important to provide each horse with its own tack, rugs, and grooming equipment that aren’t shared with others.
Effective Disinfectants and Vet Consultations
Since ringworm spores can remain on articles for extended periods, and many common disinfectants won’t eliminate them, consult your veterinarian for recommendations on effective disinfectants that specifically target these spores.
Treating with Fungicidal Medications
A variety of fungicidal medications can effectively treat ringworm by being applied directly to the affected areas. In cases where a horse has numerous spots, using an oral fungicide like Griseofulvin may be a more practical option than individually treating each spot.
Avoid Grooming Infected Horses
To further minimize the spread of ringworm, avoid grooming horses that have been diagnosed with the disease, as this can contribute to the dissemination of the infection.
