ringworm

[ann]

I seem to be in the middle of an epidemic of ringworm, my vet has advised me to just let nature take its course, however I wondered if anyone had any good old remedies to at least help with the itching as they are all rubbing like mad, I only have it among the yearlings and calves but that is enough. Any suggestions would be appreciated, I know you can get a spray but as most of the ringworm in on their faces I’m concern about getting spray in their eyes so something I could either paint on or rub on.

Thanks for any suggestions in advance

Ann

[Duncan MacIntyre]

If your herd has not experienced ringworm before it will possibly affect all stock, and not be the usual calf only problem seen on so many farms where it is always present to a greater or lesser extent. If you do not usually have ringworm I would certainly encourage you to do something about it, but it depends on the extent of the problem and the number of stock - maybe your vet just is surprised that someone wants to do something about it when it is ignored on so many farms. Although the older sort of chemical sprays like Kopertox are still available they might be a bit sore on eyes etc, but the newer things like Mycophyt are very gentle and could be applied to faces with a sponge if you were worried. You would need to do all in contact stock maybe twice, and clean up pens, walls, doors etc. It is a POM drug so available on prescription from your vet. Why not ask him what it would cost?
There is also a vaccine , ringvac, but not too easy to use in the face of an outbreak. I have had only one client try it in 20 years.
If you show a lot or plan to sell stock that is another reason to do something about it.
Do not forget it is a zoonosis as well, with young children or debilitated people at special risk.
Duncan

[Sylvia]

Hello Ann
I used a product last Spring called Tellurium which you put several drops in the drinking water every day. (Homeopathic and yes, I know, I'm sceptical too!) The ringworm cleared up. Did it help? I've no idea, but it makes you feel as if you are doing something and it is easy to do. I expect Duncan is throwing up his hands in horror. One thing I thought - is ringworm itchy? I didn't notice this on ours. I'll try and find the supplier's telephone number if you want to try the above mentioned stuff.

Sylvia

[Duncan MacIntyre]

Yes Duncan is throwing up his hands. Homeopathic medicine is dilute water, and clear up rates which ocur naturally provide the only evidence of its working. There are NO proper trial results for ANY homeopathic medicine. If you wish to give your cattle extra water tap water is cheaper and just as effective.
I am perfectly happy with a lot of alternative medicine, my daughter is trained in acupuncture, I am quite happy with real herbal remedies, but don't expect dilute water to have any beneficial effect.

Duncan

[ann]

Hi Duncan

I have had the odd younster with ringworm before and obviously the older cattle have built up an immunity as its only the the younsters who have never come into contact with it before which have got it.

Ann