Ringworm

Commonly infected wildlife

Is this animal infected?

• Infected animals have areas of thickened skin with hair loss on the head or legs
• Skin may be red
• Hair easily breaks away
• Lesions can be itchy

Can I get it?

Yes

• By touching the skin and hair of infected animals

How bad can it get?

May require medical attention

Protect myself and others

• Wear disposable gloves
• Wash hands
• Disinfect work space
• Warning - Once infected, you can transmit ringworm to your family

Symptoms in humans

• Skin lesions are:
  • Red, circular, and spread outward
  • Vary from dry and scaly to moist and crusty
  • Often have a central healed area surrounded by a ring of infection
  • Can be itchy

Safe for pets?

No - Once infected, pets can be a source of infection to humans

What causes it?

• Fungi that grow in soil, on humans and animals (e.g., Microsporum canis)