What should you know about ringworm in horses?

The name is misleading: ringworm is not caused by a worm. Fungi live in damaged skin and hair, and spores can pass between horses through grooming tools, tack, blankets, hands, and shared surfaces. Affected areas may look round or irregular, with broken hairs, crusting, or grey-white scale. Some horses show little discomfort, while others rub or become tender. Similar changes can come from parasites, allergies, or bacterial skin disease, so appearance alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.

A horse may spread infection before every patch is obvious. Keep brushes, saddle pads, and rugs separate until a veterinarian gives a control plan. People can also develop a fungal rash after contact with an infected animal; wash hands and avoid touching your face during handling.

Arrange a veterinary examination, especially when lesions are spreading or involve the girth, saddle area, face, or limbs. Follow the prescribed antifungal plan exactly; treatment may involve washing the coat, applying a topical product, or using medicine by mouth when the veterinarian considers it appropriate. Do not use leftover human or livestock medicines without advice.

Clean loose hair and scale from grooming areas, launder washable equipment, and disinfect hard surfaces with a product suitable for the stable. Wear gloves for treatment, change clothing after close contact, and check other horses for new lesions. Do not share equipment while infection is suspected.

Seek prompt veterinary advice if the horse has rapidly expanding patches, marked swelling, pus, significant pain, fever, eye involvement, or difficulty eating or moving. Contact a veterinarian sooner for a foal, an elderly horse, or one with another illness. If a person who handled the horse develops an itchy, scaly rash, seek medical advice and mention the animal exposure.

Ask which test can distinguish ringworm from mites or bacterial disease, how to treat the horse's coat and equipment, when the horse can return to shared turnout or grooming, and whether other animals or people need assessment.