Livestock

Ringworm in Cattle: Welfare and Farm Management

Welfare guide to bovine ringworm -- a contagious fungal skin disease common in housed young cattle.

Key Facts

Bovine ringworm is caused by Trichophyton verrucosum and is the most common fungal skin disease of cattle
It affects primarily young cattle housed over winter -- warm humid housing accelerates spread
Lesions appear as circular grey-white crusted patches typically on the head, neck, and shoulders
The condition causes varying degrees of itchiness and skin irritation
Ringworm is zoonotic -- farm workers and vets can contract the infection from affected cattle
Most cases in immunocompetent animals resolve spontaneously over 2-4 months
Treatment with topical antifungal preparations reduces duration and spread
Vaccination is available in some countries and is effective for prevention in high-risk groups

Welfare Significance

Bovine ringworm causes skin irritation and discomfort that impairs welfare during the affected period. While self-limiting in healthy animals, the zoonotic risk means prompt management is important for both animal and human welfare. Environmental decontamination prevents persistent infection pressure in housed cattle.

What You Can Do

Treat affected animals with licensed antifungal preparations to reduce welfare impact and spread
Implement environmental decontamination of housing areas between groups of cattle
Wear gloves and appropriate protective clothing when handling affected animals
Quarantine new purchases before mixing with established groups to prevent introduction