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Ringworm
A fungal infection of the fur and skin (NOT a worm despite the name). Highly contagious between pets and zoonotic to humans. Caused by dermatophyte fungi. Environmental decontamination is critical alongside treatment.
Key Facts
- Fungal infection of skin and fur — not actually a worm
- Zoonotic: transmissible to humans through direct contact or contaminated environment
- Signs: circular patches of hair loss, scaly/crusty skin, sometimes itchy
- Spores survive in the environment on shed fur and skin cells
- Environmental decontamination is essential — two-step process: remove hair, then disinfect
- Bleach (1:100 dilution) effective; accelerated hydrogen peroxide also works
- Laundry: wash infected pet's items separately; longest wash cycle; do not overload
- Confine infected pets to easily cleanable rooms (no carpet)
- Treatment continues until fungal cultures are negative
- Twice-weekly environmental cleaning for households with fewer than 2 infected pets