Sheep Ringworm: Welfare Management in Affected Flocks

Ringworm (dermatophytosis) in sheep causes circular lesions, wool loss, and skin discomfort, with welfare implications particularly for affected lambs and young animals.

Key Facts

Ringworm in sheep is caused primarily by Trichophyton verrucosum and related fungi
Lesions appear as circular areas of wool loss with crusty, thickened skin
It is most common in young animals housed together in winter
Ringworm is zoonotic, capable of spreading to farm workers and their families
Treatment includes antifungal washes and topical applications; improvement without treatment occurs over months

Welfare Considerations

Sheep with ringworm experience skin discomfort from the inflammatory response to fungal infection. The crusty, thickened lesions are itchy, and affected sheep show head rubbing and scratching behavior. Extensive facial ringworm in lambs can affect eyelid margins, causing irritation that interferes with normal visual function. Secondary bacterial infection of ringworm lesions occurs in wet conditions, causing deeper tissue infection and more severe discomfort. The welfare impact, while usually self-limiting, may last several months without treatment, particularly in housed animals where re-infection occurs readily in contaminated environments.

What You Can Do

Implement antifungal treatment for affected animals, particularly lambs with extensive lesions
Practice strict hygiene including disinfection of shared equipment between animals
Ensure farm workers use personal protective equipment when handling affected animals
Improve housing ventilation and reduce stocking density to limit fungal spread
Consult your vet about appropriate antifungal treatments including wash preparations
Inform other farm contacts if ringworm is confirmed to prevent spread