Zoonotic Diseases
Dermatophytosis
Dermatophytosis or “
” is a fungal skin condition. Dermatophytosis is
caused by either Microsporum spp . or by Trichophyton spp .
Dermatophytosis is spread by direct contact with infected areas or by indirect contact with infected .
The fungi live in and feed off of the dead, keratinized layer of the skin where it is warm and moist.
Dermatophytosis is more prevalent when horses
equipment such as tack & blankets.
Younger horses, poor nutrition & damp, crowded conditions can also predispose.
The condition presents as multiple dry, itchy, circular, scaly areas of alopecia with a pronounced, slightly raised border around the lesions. Diagnosis is through clinical signs and symptoms as well as a fungal culture from skin & hair scrapings. Ringworm is , meaning the condition will clear up on its own within 1-4 months. To speed recovery treatment usually involves the application of topical antifungal ointments or shampoos, use of lime sulfur or iodine scrubs. Symptomatic treatment includes clipping away infected hair and keeping the areas clean & dry. Prognosis is good. Dermatophytosis can be prevented by quarantine, proper hygiene & disinfection.
Salmonellosis
A common, highly contagious enteric disease. Salmonellosis is caused by the G- bacteria Salmonella spp . Salmonellosis is primarily transmitted by the fecal-oral route, the ingestion of contaminated feed and water, but may occur through contact with contaminated soil or fomites. Salmonellosis occurs when the bacteria gain entry to the gastrointestinal tract and proliferate. The bacteria attack the of the gastrointestinal tract causing inflammation and damage to the epithelial cells. Inflammation causes some of the bacteria to die, releasing endotoxins when bacteriolysis occurs. Predisposition for salmonellosis is foals, where it is most severe and any horse experiencing . Salmonellosis is seen as gastrointestinal disease in affected adults, characterized by fever, lethargy, depression, anorexia and mild colic. The disease progresses to severe, watery, foul smelling projectile diarrhea called , which may lead to .
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