Ringworm in Cattle

Ringworm, also known as dermatophytosis, is a common skin infection seen in cattle worldwide. It is caused by various fungus species and leads to circular bald patches on the skin along with crusting and scaling.

Ringworm can spread rapidly between animals and can be frustrating to treat. In this blog article, we will provide you comprehensive information on the causes, symptoms, prevention measures, and treatment options for ringworm infection in cattle herds.

What Causes Ringworm in Cattle?

Ringworm in cattle is caused by dermatophyte fungi species that infect the keratin layer of the skin. The three main fungal culprits are:

• Trichophyton verrucosum – Most common cause that spreads easily between cattle during close contact
• Microsporum canis
• Trichophyton mentagrophytes

These fungi thrive well in warm, moist environments. Summer and wet seasons see a spike in outbreaks. Stresses like malnutrition, poor hygiene, overcrowding, transportation and introduction of infected animals also increase risk.

The fungi spread through direct contact with infected cattle as well as contact with contaminated fomites like brushes, wooden fences, feed buckets etc. The spores can survive for months to years in the environment. Newborn calves may catch the infection from infected mother cows.

Once the fungus breaches the skin barrier through cuts/ abrasions, infection quickly sets in. Skin cells are broken down by secreted enzymes to allow fungus to grow and invade deeper tissues.

Symptoms of Ringworm Infection in Cattle

Ringworm manifests with varied symptoms in cattle:

• Circular, red, raised and crusty skin patches with hair loss mostly seen on the head, back and neck regions
• Patches gradually expand in size up to 3 inches across, with well-demarcated borders
• Affected skin becomes thick, hard and may develop deep fissures
• Intense itching and irritation around lesions
• White scales on the skin surface containing infectious fungal spores
• Enlarged local lymph nodes if body launches an immune reaction
• Loss of appetite and lethargy in severe cases
• Drop in milk production for dairy cattle
• Permanently damaged leather if lesions occur over much of the body

The disease begins mildly but quickly spreads within the herd. Calves, heifers and cows with compromised immunity suffer more extensive infections. Seek prompt veterinary help at the first signs of ringworm suspicion.

Preventing Ringworm Outbreaks in Cattle

Ringworm prevention is better than cure. Here are some useful measures to avoid fungal outbreaks:

Strict Hygiene & Cleanliness

• Isolate any infected animals immediately to prevent spread
• Avoid contact between calves and adult cattle
• Maintain cleanliness in housing areas and feeding equipment
• Clean sheds, tools and other objects between each use
• Remove dung, old bedding materials frequently
• Disinfect equipment and setups periodically with lime solution
• Prevent overcrowding and poor ventilation

Boost Immune Function

• Ensure adequate balanced nutrition as per growth needs
• Address predisposing illnesses and conditions
• Give nutritional supplements if needed
• Make clean water freely available at all times

Limit Introduction & Movement of Cattle

• Quarantine and screen any new animals for 2 weeks
• Limit showing/exchanging cattle between farms during outbreaks
• Reduce transportation and animal movement stresses

Vaccination

• Vaccines are available for ringworm but efficacy varies
• Consider vaccination if the farm has a history of recurring outbreaks

How to Treat Ringworm Infection in Cattle

Despite preventive efforts, ringworm infections can still strike cattle herds. Treatment aims to eliminate the infection from affected animals while also preventing spread to healthy cattle. The main treatment routes are:

1. Topical Antifungal Medications

Topical antifungals applied directly over the infected skin lesions can treat mild to moderate cases. Commonly used topical preparations include:

• Whitfield’s ointment containing benzoic and salicylic acid – applied daily over lesions and surrounding skin, most effective topical treatment
• Povidone iodine or sodium iodide solutions painted 2-3 times a week around the lesions
• Ointments like 1% clotrimazole or miconazole rubbed into affected areas twice daily
• Topical applications may need to be continued for 2-4 weeks for best results

The ointments penetrate the skin to reach fungal elements in the hair follicles and keratin layer. This reduces infection locally without any systemic absorption. Frequent applications are needed as the ointments get wiped off easily from the skin surface. Gentle clipping of hair around lesions allows better contact of medications with skin.

2. Systemic Antifungal Drugs

For generalized, extensive or chronic ringworm infections not responding to topicals, oral or injectable systemic antifungals may be warranted under veterinary guidance:

• Griseofulvin tablets given orally for 2-8 weeks
• Intravenous sodium iodide or thiabendazole for immediate high tissue levels in acute cases
• Oral ketoconazole or fluconazole also used for their broad spectrum activity and penetration
• Liver enzymes should be evaluated before starting treatment and periodically checked thereafter

Systemic drugs achieve therapeutic concentrations in the deeper skin layers as well as hair follicles to eliminate fungal hyphae network more efficiently. They also prevent recurrence from dormant spores.

3. Local Wound Care

In addition to medications, the infected lesions and wounds require supportive local care:

• Clip hair around skin lesions to allow antifungal contact
• Gently remove loose scabs and crusts by softening with oil/antiseptic solutions
• Irrigate sores with antimicrobial washes to prevent secondary bacterial infections
• Dust raw lesions with antibiotic powder to facilitate healing
• Cover large, eroded wounds with sterile bandages that need frequent checks

Avoid using steroid creams over infected skin as they further suppress immunity and worsen lesions. Seek veterinary oversight throughout treatment for optimal and fastest resolution of infection. Aggressive treatment coupled with isolation prevents recurrences and spread amongst cattle.

Quickest Ways to Eliminate Ringworm from Cattle Herds

Severe ringworm outbreaks can quickly spiral out of control and lead to huge financial losses for cattle ranchers. Here are the quickest measures to contain and eliminate the infection:

• Identify and isolate affected animals immediately
• Treat lesions aggressively with systemic antifungals rather than just topicals
• Concurrently, disinfect the environment thoroughly
• Have a veterinarian investigate for predisposing factors
• Cull chronic carrier animals that don’t respond to treatment
• Follow strict biosecurity protocols during an outbreak
• Keep susceptible young stock separated until the outbreak resolves
• Perform ring-testing to identify asymptomatic shedder cattle
• Retreat cattle and disinfect premises after 2 weeks
• Extended quarantine period before reintroducing cattle from infected group back into the herd

With close attention and these control steps, ringworm outbreaks can be contained within a few weeks in most cases. Stay vigilant for early signs to avoid extended morbidity and production losses. Consult a veterinarian to develop a customized ringworm management plan for optimal and fastest results.