Ringworm in horses is a common fungal skin infection that, despite what its name suggests, isnt caused by a worm but by a type of fungus and it usually requires treatment.Ringworm is a highly contagious skin condition that can be easily spread from horse to human, as well as from horse to horse. Other animals can get it too cats, dogs, cattle etc and it is a troublesome horse health issue because it is so easy to catch and pass on.Largely to blame for causing ringworm are the microsporum and trichophyton species of fungi, which are expert in spreading their spores via direct horse to horse contact, or through shared tack, grooming brushes, bedding and other surfaces including stable doors and fencing.As with most diseases of this type, very young and very old horses are more likely to develop ringworm as their immune systems are generally less effective. However, if a horse does catch it they will develop a natural immunity that will protect them.This doesnt mean theyre necessarily protected for life, but they will be less likely to get it again in future.How ringworm affects horsesMildly affected horses with ringworm will usually be well in themselves, though some may attempt to rub the ringworm patches and the condition can make them feel sore and itchy.Left untreated, ringworm can start to damage the coat and can take up to several months to self-cure, occasionally developing into a serious health problem. Therefore, ringworm treatment is usually the best course of action for a horse more on what this involves below.Most cases of horse ringworm soon recover with correct treatment and good stable management, and the hair will grow back within a month or so.As the disease is often spread via infected tack, its common to see ringworm patches in the saddle or girth region, though it can affect any part of the horses body.SymptomsRingworm patches can be any shape and sizeThis skin condition may develop in a characteristic ring, but ringworm patches can in fact be any shape and size, often starting as a raised tuft of hair.Its common to see the spots in a cluster (ie several close together rather than scattered over the horses body), with the affected skin becoming scurfy and scabby, leading to patchy hair loss.Areas affected by horse ringworm may be sore and itchy, and if left untreated it can spread to cover quite a wide area of the body.Just to confuse matters, ringworm symptoms can mimic other skin conditions and your vet may suggest a skin scrape to confirm its diagnosis. This can then be examined under a microscope to look for any ringworm spores, and cultured (which is more sensitive in picking up the disease).However, as the fungi that cause horse ringworm are slow-growing, treatment is usually started on suspicion before the results are available.Prevention adviceDisinfecting a new stable is a key part of preventing ringwormThe fungi responsible for ringworm are hugely resistant to heat, cold and other environmental factors. This means they can stick to stable doors, fencing, tack and grooming brushes for weeks or even months.Added to this is the fact that they can survive on a horses skin for up to three weeks before signs of ringworm start to show. This gives the disease quite a lengthy period of time to spread its wings or at least its spores.There several things you can do to help prevent yourself or your horse (and other pets/animals) getting ringworm, including:Good stable managementThis is the key to both preventing ringworm and limiting its spread, because it is so easily passed between horses and people.Cleanliness and hygieneDisinfecting a new stable before your horse moves in is a wise precaution. You should also disinfect any stables and areas (such as fence posts) touched by a horse you know has had ringworm.Look for a product that specifically targets ringworm, such as Virkon S, which is available in tablet, sachet or powder form. You can buy a 1kg tub from Amazon UK here for 22.22. If youre in the USA, its available here for $33.50.Isolate new horsesIsolate any new horses that come on to your yard for a sensible amount of time ideally between two and three weeks.This is a sensible precaution not just in the prevention of horse ringworm, but other contagious diseases like equine flu andstrangles.Only allow a newhorse intothe main yard when you are certain they are diseasefree. This isolationperiod gives you time to carry out a worm egg count too beforeintroducing them to yourpasture.Dont share tack and equipmentAvoid sharing tack, grooming brushes and rugs with other horses, especially if you dont know their history.If a horse is isolating, ensure their kit and things like mucking out tools are stored separately. As few a people as possible should have contact with the horse until they get the all clear.Treating ringworm in horsesIf your horse is diagnosed with ringworm, your vet will prescribe treatment in the form of an anti-fungal wash and/or as an oral medication.Grieiofulvin is an anti-fungal medication that is used to treat fungus skin infections like ringworm in people as well as horses.Your vet may also suggest you use one of a number of fungicidal shampoos on the market, such as the Aqueos range of horse shampoos and disinfectant tack cleaners.Whatever is prescribed, areas covered in thick scabs will need removing gently with a nylon brush that will need disinfecting afterwards. Some vets will advise clipping affected areas, but clipper blades must be carefully disinfected afterwards.As the fungus loves moist areas of skin, its wise to towel your horse dry where necessary and help prevent the condition taking hold further. Everything they touch, and all of their gear, must be kept well disinfected as well.A horse with ringworm should be kept in a paddock or stable where they cant make direct contact with other horses.Anyone who handles them should wear gloves, and they should change their clothes before handling any other horses on the yard.If you become itchy or have any red sore patches, go and see your GP and tell them your horse is being treated for ringworm.Images Your Horse Library/Kelsey Media LtdRelated contentNine common horse skin conditions in picturesTreatment cream for sarcoids and other useful factsEquine flu: how to lower the risk to your horseStrangles in horses: latest vet advice for this contagious diseaseHow to tell if a horse is happyThe post Vet explains how to identify and treat ringworm in horses appeared first on Your Horse.