Getting rid of ringworm in a large stable area

[maddog]

Hi all,

I work at a summer camp and we have a herd of 25 horses.They live here during the summer, and then go live with a larger herd the rest of the year when we’re not using them. The last two summers, we have had a couple new horses in the herd and they all caught ringworm. None of our other horses (most of which we’ve had for many years) caught it either summer.

So, based on some research I’ve done I am fairly convinced that the ringworm is living in our wood fences, infecting the new horses when they arrive, and our old horses have resistance to this strain. (I know it could also potentially be in our tack or brushes as well, but no humans have gotten it which makes me think its in our pasture where we aren’t in contact with the fences. Also the new horses have come from different previous owners which is why I think they’re catching it here). We have a large pasture and 3 arenas all with wooden fence posts–does anyone have any experience figuring out where the ringworm is coming from, or disinfecting such a large area? Its not super practical for us to disinfect the whole fence line, but if anyone has advice or experience with a method that works I would be more inclined to make the time for it in the off season.

We will probably only have one new horse this year, but I’d love to nip this problem in the bud now since we will be getting more new horses in the coming years since a few key members of our herd are nearing retirement.

Thanks for your help!

[NancyM]

Ringworm is a skin fungus. The spores are everywhere, on the ground, on the brushes, on the tack. It is not possible to “sterilize” everything, and is useless to even try to do this. When the horse moves around on the ground, has a roll etc, the spores are stirred up, in dust or mud, that gets onto the horse’s skin. Sure, it’s on your fences too, it’s everywhere. It is something that all horses “see” with their immune systems at some point in their lives. They get infected, get some lesions, which then heal and disappear. The horse then has immunity, and no longer will get an infection. Problem solved. Most horses will “see” the fungus early in life, get the lesions, get over it, and be immune from then on. Occasionally, you will get an older horse who has not “seen” the fungus before, and does not have immunity yet. But he will get the immunity he needs after the infection he will get, just like everyone else. There is no vaccine that I have ever seen, it is a natural immunity for everyone.

As with all common infections, you are prepared in advance for it showing up. You are looking for it. You look after it, with topical fungicide preparations, and not using a horse in your operation who is currently undergoing an infection, especially if that lesion is under the tack, usually under the girth is where it is the most problematical, because it gets so well rubbed in by the girth, and hot and sweaty helps the infection take hold. Catch it early, treat appropriately to speed recovery. Keep it dry, trying to wash an infection only helps it take root, and spread.

Humans are the same. We get it too, get immunity, and don’t get it again. If you don’t remember getting it, you were too young to notice. There is no way to avoid contact with the spores, or know where those spores may be found in huge numbers. The only way to avoid infection is to have acquired immunity previously.

[drafting_dots]

@NancyM

Humans are the same. We get it too, get immunity, and don’t get it again. If you don’t remember getting it, you were too young to notice. There is no way to avoid contact with the spores, or know where those spores may be found in huge numbers. The only way to avoid infection is to have acquired immunity previously.

I’m not sure this is accurate. I had a very bad case of ringworm as a child and have had it at least (2) more times since then (as an adult). Perhaps it is less common to get it twice, but I don’t think getting it once is a guarantee that it won’t come back!

Fortunately, I don’t have any experience with ringworm and horses so can’t help there. If it’s in the soil or fences then there’s not much you can do except treat it. I’ve had really good results using tea tree on myself.

[chestnutmarebeware]

I’ve gotten it multiple times (at least once as a grubby child who played in the dirt all day long) and at least twice as an adult who took in stray kitties with ringworm and had it transferred to me. It’s pretty easy to clear up.

[NancyM]

Actually, I’ve had it twice too. But more minor the second time. University professor teaching me the Fungus course at the time couldn’t believe it. I guess most people only get it once! I think the classic source of infection is picking up and cuddling stray kittens, that was the source of one of mine too.

[cheval_convert]

Another person who has had it more than once. In fact, for a while it seemed to have gone “underground” in my system - any time I was really stressed a spot would break out on my abdomen, so it couldn’t have been from exposure.