Skin disorders due to ring scab

Ring scab (trichophyte) is a fungal infection of the skin that occurs especially in bovine animals younger than 2 years.


Definition

Ring scab (trichophyte) is a fungal infection of the skin that occurs especially in bovine animals younger than 2 years.
Characteristic are the round bald, usually not itchy, spots with greyish crusts. The condition can occur over the entire body, but there are some clear preferred areas: the head, neck and the shoulders.

Cause

Trichophyte (ring scab, ringworm) is caused by filamentous fungi Trichophyton verrucosum. The contamination mainly takes place through direct contact from animal to animal. Indirect infections via barn equipment and tools (e.g. the syringe) are also possible.

Description

Ring scab (trichophyte) is a common fungal disease of the skin in calves and young cattle. Calves can be carriers of the fungus without visible phenomena. Due to a reduced resistance, high infection pressure and/ or a bad stable climate (warm, humid) the contamination can get around. Typically are the round, often not itchy, bald patches on the head, neck and shoulder.
The whole process from contamination to healing takes place at different stage:
1. Incubation (time between infection and visible symptoms): from about 7-17 days after infection, the fungus begins to multiply rapidly in the hair follicles.
2. Maturation: after about 14-28 days, the fungus penetrates deep into the hair shafts and begins to break down hair.
3. Maximum conditions: at four to seven weeks after the infection the condition is at its peak: round, bald spots with a greyish surface.
4. Recovery: the condition is self-limiting due to the build-up of defence against the fungus.  The healing process can take quite a long time, often a period of 2 to 4 months is indicated. However, shorter (3 weeks) and longer periods (9 months) are also known. Then the hair starts to grow again and the grey crusts disappear.
Also people can get infected by direct contact with affected animals. Especially children are susceptible. At the human, the condition is called ringworm.

Treatment

Although the condition is self-limiting, treatment with a fungicide is recommended. The risk of infection for humans is also important. Treatment is possible by washing / spraying several times with a fungicide.
It is very important to clean and disinfect the barn so that the fungal spores on the materials are removed. This reduces the infection pressure for a subsequent flock. As an alternative, holly can be hung in the barn.
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Contact and address

Alpuro Breeding

Elspeterweg 60

3888 MX Uddel

Holland 

Tel.: +31 577 40 81 11

info@alpurobreeding.com

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