Is this ringworm?

jem · Post by **jem** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 11:02 am

I hope the photos are good enough, but is this ringworm? The first black steer (with horns) got sme bald patches above his eyes and on his cheeks about 4 weeks ago. At first I did not think anything of it assuming he had put his head somewhere he should'nt have done. But then about 10 days ago, the other two also got some patches, mainly above their eyes, but or two one higher up on the black cows head.

I have looked at various pictures on the internet but am still undecided if it is or not.

All are well in themselves and the black steers patches seem to be clearing up now so I am no too worried, just want to know for future reference.

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 11:12 am

It looks like ringworm to me though the pictures do not show absolute classic appearance. If the cattle are outside then the ultraviolet of sunlight will be having a beneficial effect and so the crusty appearance may not be as obvious as usual. Ringworm thrives best indoors out of the sun, usually young animals but older cattle may develop signs if they have not been in previous contact with it. If you have only got one or two with it and they are outside, try to leave them out till it is completely gone. If you are going to have to house them when it is still active, then ask your vet for something to treat them, because if you house them with it active then your pens and sheds become contaminated and you may find it difficult to get rid of. There are various spray on options, and there is "Ringvac" a vaccine which is very good but a bit pricy and you probably would not want to think about using it unless the problem is interfering with shows and sales etc - no cattle should be put in a show or sale with active ringworm.

Duncan

jem · Post by **jem** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 11:44 am

Thank you Duncan.

Yes they are outside all of the time and have been since late April. I only have these 3 animals, so not a huge problem. How would they have contracted it?

Broomcroft · Post by **Broomcroft** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 12:09 pm

We got ringworm when we first moved to our farm, some said it might have been in the fence posts etc. Anyhow, wherever it came from, it just cleared up and haven't seen any for years.

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 12:11 pm

most lilkely source would be direct contact eg neighbours across fences, or contact with old contaminated woodwork (inside most likley), contaminted trailer/float, or contaminted equipment eg borrowed halters etc. Have any of them been to shows etc? Or recent additions?

Duncan

davidw · Post by **davidw** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 12:17 pm

Can I add a thought? Years ago my father's dairy friesians had similar patches. He treated for ring-worm without any improvement. Eventually a feed company rep suggested parakeratosis (did I get that right?) or zinc deficiency. He added some zinc salt to the feed and the problem cleared very quickly.

jem · Post by **jem** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 12:31 pm

The cow needed to go to the bull and as the youngest calf was not weaned they all went! It started about 4 weeks after that so perhaps that's where they piked it up, although there were no signs of it in that herd.

Is it correct that if they've had ringworm once they cannot catch it again?

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 9:22 pm

I once lent out a bull and he came back with ringworm and the conclusion was that he got it in a borrowed trailer used to transport him.

Unlikely for any animal to develop ringworm a second time.

Remember that it is a zoonosis - ie it can infect people as well.

Duncan

stew · Post by **stew** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 7:38 pm

i got a lot off ring worm as a teenager whilst working with cattle
all over my back and arms and belly
im not so sure the pics are ring worm

Penny · Post by **Penny** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 9:08 pm

I'd say ringworm definitely, and possibly warts too!

So Sorry!!