Ask The Vet

Ken McMillan, Contributing Columnist

Q: I have a problem with ringworm in my feeder calves when I wean them in the fall. They are fine until I wean them, so I think they are being exposed to ringworm in the corrals and barns. What can I do to stop this cycle?

A: It’s important to remember ringworm spores can exist in the environment for months or even years. The first step in suspected cases of ringworm is to confirm that it is actually ringworm, then to evaluate individual affected animals and overall herd health. Treatment should initially focus on correcting any underlying health issues, including treatment for lice and other external parasites. In many cases, skin issues resolve without specific treatment for ringworm.

The only practical treatment of ringworm on cattle involves topical antifungal products. Various solutions, including Betadine, chlorhexidine and dilute bleach, as well as antifungal ointments, are used. For these to be effective, however, crusts and scales overlying the active infection must be removed by brushing, scraping or scrubbing. Merely spraying an antifungal on the animal does not produce consistent results. This essentially limits treatment to cattle that are easily handled like show or dairy animals. Stockers would certainly not fit into that category.

The first step in environmental treatment is to the remove any sharp or rough metal or wood that can cut, scrap or abrade skin. Fencing, trees, alleyways, chutes, halters, grooming equipment and tack used with horses can be sources of ringworm. Many products are labeled to treat ringworm in the environment, but several recent studies have shown they are not effective in barns and outside areas. These products were “proved” using a test tube or ringworm organisms, not in real-world situations.

On farms, many areas have organic material that protects ringworm organisms. It is important to remove as much of this material as possible by scrubbing with detergents and/or pressure washing. Steam pressure washing is better but does not consistently kill ringworm. After cleaning the areas, a few disinfectants have been shown to be effective.

Household bleach used at concentrations of at least 1:32 (½ cup per gallon of water) is the most available option. Other effective products include Virkon S (a detergent-peroxide-based product) and an accelerated hydrogen peroxide such as the Rescue line of products. An environmental spray containing enilconazole was also found to be effective. Any potentially contaminated area should be thoroughly sprayed and may even need repeat treatments.

Q: We noticed some cows and calves with droopy ears and got them up. They had lots of ticks inside their ears. We have used ear tags for years and never had a problem until this season. We treated them with a fly spray we use when we castrate calves, but I’m worried about the rest of the herd. Do you have any suggestions?

A: We have seen an increase in the incidence of ticks on cattle recently along with hot, humid weather. Heavy infestations can lead to serious infection in the ears, as well as anemia--which can have a huge impact on production and profits. Additionally, ticks carry potentially fatal diseases including anaplasmosis.

Of even greater concern is the reintroduction of ticks that carry Texas Cattle Fever. This was an extremely costly disease that was essentially eradicated from the United States by 1943 and could now have a devastating effect because our naive cattle population has never been exposed to it.

Treatment with sprays directly in the ears can be effective if cattle are in the chute, but this is labor intensive and does not provide long-term control. Fly tags were actually developed for tick control and can still be very effective, but they lose their effectiveness as the season progresses.

This could be part of your problem. One option would be to remove old tags and reapply new ones using a different class of insecticide. As with fly control, back rubs and dust bags, pour-ons and high-pressure sprays can also be effective. Keeping pastures mowed and brush cut back can also reduce tick populations.

Please contact your veterinarian for questions pertaining to the health of your herd. Every operation is unique, and the information in this column does not pertain to all situations. This is not intended as medical advice, but is purely for informational purposes.

Write Dr. Ken McMillan at Ask The Vet, 2204 Lakeshore Dr., Suite 415, Birmingham, AL 35209, or email vet@progressivefarmer.com.

[PF_1018]

Copyright 2019 DTN/The Progressive Farmer. All rights reserved.