Clinical Signs of Ringworm in Cattle

Ringworm lesions are are usually easy to recognise. The disease is self limiting but scarring leads to damaged hides.

Ringworm lesions

• Characteristic circular lesions with a gray colour and ash like surface.
• Size ranges from 3-5 cm to large confluent lesions.
• Lesions seen mainly on the head and neck but may be anywhere on the animal.
• Pruritis is usually mild or absent

Consequences of infection

In most cases, ringworm is self-limiting. The period between infection and the appearance of lesions is 1 to 4 weeks and the duration of disease ranges from 1 to 4 months. Scarring and collagen deposits damages hides even after lesions have healed.

Ringworm lesions on the head of a calf.

Ringworm lesions causing damage and scarring of the hide.