Ringworm is a relatively common, highly contagious skin condition that can affect most animals, including horses. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can also be transmitted to humans. Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a parasite but by a fungal infection. The most common fungi responsible include Trichophyton equinum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, normally found in soil. Understanding and managing ringworm is essential for maintaining your horse’s health and preventing the spread of infection.
Identifying Ringworm
Ringworm in horses typically manifests as circular patches of hair loss with a raised, crusty, or scaly edge. The affected areas may appear red, inflamed, or irritated. The skin within the ringworm lesion can be either dry, grey, and flaky or moist and crusted, depending on the stage of infection. In some cases, the affected skin may also be itchy or tender. To start with, ringworm will normally be localised to one area (typically the head, neck, or girth); however, it can spread across the whole body if left untreated.
Is Your Horse at Risk?
Any horse can develop ringworm; however, young horses, older horses, and those with a weakened immune system are at greater risk.
Whilst horses can develop ringworm at any point in the year, cases are more commonly reported in the autumn and winter months. As the fungus primarily lives in soil, horses who spend more time turned out on wet, muddy pastures are more susceptible to developing ringworm.
As the condition is easily passed from horse to horse, those living in group housing or turned out with larger groups are also more likely to develop ringworm. Horses who travel to shows frequently and spend time mixing with other unknown horses are also more likely to contract the infection.
Effective Treatment for Ringworm
Treatment for ringworm normally involves the use of anti-fungal washes, creams, or ointments that are applied directly to the skin. Most topical treatments for ringworm in horses can be purchased over the counter. In severe cases or cases that don’t resolve following topical treatment, an oral treatment may be required. This can only be prescribed by a vet.
Home Care vs. Professional Veterinary Care
While many cases of ringworm can be managed with home treatment using over-the-counter anti-fungal products, veterinary care may be necessary if:
- The infection spreads despite treatment
- The horse develops severe inflammation or secondary infections
- The horse has a compromised immune system and struggles to fight off the infection
Preventing Ringworm in Horses
Preventing ringworm requires a combination of good hygiene practices and biosecurity measures to limit exposure to the fungus.
Sanitation and Hygiene Best Practices
- Where possible, all horses should have their own tack and grooming equipment. If horses must share equipment, it should be cleaned thoroughly between uses to minimise the risk of cross-contamination.
- Mixing of unknown horses should be kept to a minimum. This can be challenging for horses that travel frequently, so it is advisable for yards to have an isolation procedure for new horses.
- If travelling to shows, bringing your own bedding and mucking-out utensils can help reduce the risk of exposure.
- If a horse is suspected to have ringworm, it is a good idea to isolate them to prevent the condition from spreading. Anyone handling an infected horse should wear PPE, change clothes, and wash hands thoroughly before coming into contact with other horses.
- After a horse recovers from ringworm, their stable and any surfaces they have touched should be disinfected. Any bedding or equipment that cannot be thoroughly cleaned should be disposed of.
When to Consult Your Vet
Although ringworm is not usually a medical emergency, you should seek veterinary advice if:
- The condition does not improve with treatment
- The lesions become infected or more widespread
- The horse shows signs of distress, pain, or discomfort beyond typical ringworm symptoms
A vet can perform a skin scraping and send it to a laboratory for analysis to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other skin conditions.
Keep Your Horse Healthy and Happy: Next Steps
Recovering from ringworm does not mean that your horse is immune from future infections. Owners should remain vigilant and implement preventative measures to reduce the risk of reinfection.
It is good practice for all yards to have a protocol in place for managing contagious diseases. Specific protocols will vary depending on the facility, but for assistance in developing one, contacting a vet is highly recommended. Most vets are happy to help establish effective disease prevention and management plans.