Ringworm

What is it?

Ringworm is a skin condition caused by the Fungi Trichophyton verrucosum it is a zoonotic disease meaning it can be transmitted from animal to human and human to animal. It is normally characterised as small patches on the skin that are in a circular pattern and slightly darker in colour, it can sometimes be mistaken for dirt or faecal contamination. It sometimes needs to be distinguished from Pityriasis rosea which is known as 'false ringworm', this is harmless and tends to be inherited however this tends to occur when the piglet is around 6-8 weeks old and resolves at around 20 weeks of age. It does not tend to spread unlike true ringworm. 

Ringworm can be transmitted from cattle if the pig is in close contact or they are living in housing that previously had infected cattle.

Symptoms and how it spreads

A circular pattern of darkened skin that looks inflamed and flaky. it is spread from infected animals or human to other animals and humans that come into close contact with the infected.

Treatment & Prevention

Treatment 

  • Fungicidal washes that contain enilconazole or miconazole can be used to clean buildings and surfaces
  • You may have to burn bedding that is infected/ cant be washed although make sure an appropriate licence is obtained before doing so
  • Pigs – topical treatments containing enilconazole can be prescribed by a vet depending on severity, but also washing the infected pigs and making sure that good hygiene is kept in and around the housing area can also help to get rid of the infection. If a secondary infection is caused then veterinary advice is needed
  • Humans – as this is zoonotic you will need to go to a GP and get some antifungal medication to apply to the affected areas.
  • Regularly wash equipment in antibacterial and antifungal wash as they can also harbour spores

Prevention & Control 

  • Avoiding direct contact
  • Good hygiene when going between species
  • Separate infected individuals
  • Rodent control
    • Open straw stacks
    • Open feed areas
    • Paddocks
    • Scraps
  • If you have had an infection and you have wooden housing, if possible change to metal housing as the spores can infect wood providing an ongoing source for disease
  • Pay particular attention in the winter as the damp is also a great home for the spores to survive – survive for many weeks in damp conditions

 

Is it notifiable?

No, it is not a notifiable disease therefore you do not have to notify an governing bodies