Dermatophilosis

• Caused by Dermatophilus congolensis
  • Disease most prevalent in young animals
  • Damage to the skin predisposes to infection; blood-sucking insects also thought to be involved in transmission
  • Lesions after heavy rainfall predominantly affect dorsum of farm animals
  • Papules, serous, exudative matting of hair, raised crusty scabs
  • Scab formation more prominent in sheep and cattle than in horses
  • Lesions may resolve within weeks if dry weather, or may progress
• Treatment:
  • Parenteral antibiotics e.g oxytetracycline, pr penicillin-streptomycin combinations