About Ringworm In Cattle…5 August 2025
About Ringworm In Cattle…
By Dr Trywell Muzerengi
Ringworm in cattle — medically referred to as Dermatophytosis — is a contagious fungal skin infection caused by dermatophytes, and not actual worms, despite its misleading name It primarily affects young calves, especially during the cold winter months when cattle are housed in crowded, poorly ventilated environments 🦠 Causative Agent
The main culprit in cattle is the fungus Trichophyton verrucosum, which specifically targets bovines
Ringworm is highly contagious and can spread through:
Direct contact with infected animals
Contaminated objects, including brushes, halters, and fences
Environmental spores, which can survive for months
Poor barn conditions, especially overcrowding and lack of ventilation
👀 Clinical Signs
Farmers should look out for:
Circular, greyish-white crusty lesions
Patchy hair loss (alopecia), especially on the head, ears, neck, shoulders, and back
Source: ZimEye
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