Treatment for Ringworm in Cows

During the cold winter months, cows become susceptible to contracting ringworm infections. Ringworm spores can remain active for many years in a barn, and when conditions are cool and moist, these spores begin to germinate. The ringworm infection is caused by the Trichophyton verrucosum fungus, and is a highly contagious skin disease. Ringworm is a common skin disease in cows.

  1. Identification

    • The ringworm lesions are slightly raised, grayish areas that have a circular outline. The lesions vary in size, based on how far out from the center the disease was allowed to spread.

    Features

    • Ringworm lesions are most commonly found on the chest and legs of adult cows, and on the ears, back and around the eyes in calves.

    Function

    • Although ringworm is highly contagious and spreads from its center, it does tend to reach a limit, and then the skin begins to heal on its own, which can take several months.

    Significance

    • Topical treatments are the only form of treatment allowed for cows raised for food production. This is to prevent oral medication residues from collecting inside of the meat or from entering the milk. Anti-fungal creams have also been used.

    Considerations

    • To prevent ringworm infection and re-infection, the environment of the cows must be disinfected and regularly cleaned to eliminate ringworm and other disease-causing spores.

    Warning

    • Vaccinations are recommended to limit the ringworm transmission from cows to humans, or vice versa. This is recommended for cows that interact with humans on a daily basis.