Studies on ringworm infection in cattle and horses in Jordan

Al-Ani F. K., F. A. Younes, O. F. Al-Rawashdeh: Ringworm Infection in Cattle and Horses in Jordan. Acta Vet. Brno 2002:71: 55-60. Isolates of Trichophyton and Microsporum species are common important animal pathogens capable of causing dermatophytosis. In this report, isolation and identification of fungi causing ringworm in cattle and horses in Jordan were undertaken. Ten dairy farms and two large maintenance stables of horses located in different parts of Jordan with a history of cutaneous lesions were chosen for the present study. A complete clinical examination of 375 calves and 316 horses was performed. Skin samples were taken by scraping from 57 calves and 28 horses. Each sample was subjected to direct microscopic examination and cultured on mycobiotic agar (DIFCO) at 28 °C for 2-6 weeks. Affected calves were treated by a locally prepared ointment containing salicylic acid, benzoic acid, sulfur and iodine in 100 g vaseline. Recovery rate following treatment was monitored. Results revealed that 30.6% and 18% of infected calves and horses had clinical lesions of ringworm, respectively. Most of the lesions observed on the affected calves were alopecia and/or circumscribed grayish-white, crusty, raised lesions. These lesions commonly affected the head, neck, dewlap, and chest area. Trichophyton species and Microsporum species were the most commonly isolated fungi, with a prevalence rate of 69.01% and 8.46%, respectively. All treated calves responded to topical treatment within one month. In horses, lesions were seen as round patches of 3-5 cm in diameter as raised hair and soreness spreading on the axillary girth, trunk and over the rump. Microsporum equinumand T. equinum were the most frequent fungi isolated with an incidence of 40% and 24%, respectively.