2/10/2021 How farmers can prevent and treat ringworm in cattle

How farmers can prevent and treat  news list (news/)

ringworm in cattle
22 Jan 2021

Ringworm is a very common and highly transmissible skin infection passed both from cattle to cattle and from cattle to
humans (zoonotic) which is caused by the spore-forming fungus (mould) called Trichophyton verrucosum. Note despite its
name it is not caused by a worm.

According to Meatco’s Senior Manager: Safety Health Environment and Quality Assurance and Acting Okapuka Feedlot
Veterinarian, Dr Adrianatus Maseke, the fungus normally survives in the environment in soil or vegetation from where it
infects the animal’s skin. It may also be introduced by infected cattle or contaminated utensils such as burdizo’s, needles,
brushes, razors etc.

The infected skin develops circular (rings) of Alopecia or hair loss and scabbing on the infected area. The a ected skin
becomes slightly thickened, crusty, aky, and greyish in colour with intense itching, resulting in weight and condition loss. 
It may also lead to secondary bacterial infection resulting in pustules and abscesses which ultimately cause severe damage
to the hide. In most cases lesions may disappear spontaneously.

Where infection is severe treatment may be required. Treatment is aimed at isolating a ected animals, removing crust and
scabs, and washing the wounds with antifungal agents such as Enilconazole or betadine. The recovered crust and scabs
should be burned to avoid further transmission. Cattle must be removed from dump, moist areas during the period of
recovery. Treatment must be done 3 times a day, every day until animals heal. Vitamin D and E supplements can be added
to improve skin health and antibiotics may be added treat secondary bacterial infections.

Prevention is directed to cleaning and disinfecting the environment such as the kraals and utensils using Betadine or
normal household bleach. 

Producers must report this disease to the nearest State Veterinary O ce.

As ringworm is a zoonotic disease and may be transmitted to producers and animal handlers, extreme precaution must be
taken when handling infected animals such as wearing gloves, overalls and washing contaminated clothes in hot water and
 Back to Top
bleach immediately after use.

https://www.meatco.com.na/news/725/How-farmers-can-prevent-and-treat-ringworm-in-cattle/ 1/3
2/10/2021 How farmers can prevent and treat ringworm in cattle

Related Links

 Meatco Foundation (https://www.meatcofoundation.com/)

 Meat Board (http://www.nammic.com.na/)
 Directorate Veterinary Services (http://www.mawf.gov.na/directorate-veterinary-services)
 Namlits Online (http://www.namlits.com/)
How To Become a Meatco Member ( les/ les/New_Membership Application Registration.pdf)
Methods to deliver cattle to Meatco (https://www.meatco.com.na/about-us/livestock-procurement/127/)
PRODUCERS CLICK HERE (http://portal.meatco.com.na/farmersite/index.asp)

Annual Reports

 2018/19 Meatco Annual Report (/ les/ les/Meatco AR 2017_FinalPrinted_low_20170608(2).pdf)

 2017 Meatco Annual Report (/ les/ les/Meatco AR 2017_FinalPrinted_low_20170608(2).pdf)
 2016 Meatco Annual Report (/ les/ les/Meatco-2016-Annual-Report-print_20160602-min.pdf)
 2015 MeatCo Annual Report (about-us/resource-mobilization/51/)
 2014 MeatCo Annual Report (about-us/science-promotion/52/)
 2013 MeatCo Annual Report (http://www.mawf.gov.na/directorate-veterinary-services)
 2012 MeatCo Annual Report (http://www.namlits.com/)

About Us Related Links

 Back to Top  Meatco Foundation (http://www.meatco-
foundation.com.na)
https://www.meatco.com.na/news/725/How-farmers-can-prevent-and-treat-ringworm-in-cattle/ 2/3
2/10/2021 How farmers can prevent and treat ringworm in cattle

Meatco is a meat-processing and meat-marketing entity. We  Meat Board (http://www.nammic.com.na/)

serve niche markets locally and internationally with premium
quality products that are traceable all the way from the farm to  Directorate Of Veterinary Services
the fork. (http://www.mawf.gov.na/directorate-veterinary-
services)
read more
 Namlits Online (http://www.namlits.com/)

Contact Us Feedback
Head O ce
Meat Corporation of Namibia Ltd.
P.O. Box 3881
Windhoek, Namibia
Tel: (+264 61) 321 6400
Fax: (+264 61) 321 6401

(contact-us-form/)

Copyright © 2021   Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) | Website by Omalaeti Technologies (http://www.omalaetiit.com)

 Back to Top

https://www.meatco.com.na/news/725/How-farmers-can-prevent-and-treat-ringworm-in-cattle/ 3/3