Ringworm
| Question | Answer |
|---|
| Example |
|
| Can I still use the animal |
Yes - take safety precautions |
| Commonly infected wildlife |
Any Mammals |
| 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
|
| How can I 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
|
| Is it 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)
|
