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This is again a mainly warm climate, tropical or subtropical disease of the skin caused by C. neoformans. It is responsible for a similar disease to that caused by Histoplasma farciminosum, i.e. a nodular and ulcerative, interlinking lymphangitis. However, the causative organisms are easily differentiated and in this condition there is less exudate. The ear flaps and the face appear to be predilection sites. This may indicate that vectors are also responsible for the transmission of the fungal spores or the active branching/budding organisms.
The disease has zoonotic implications, and a particularly unpleasant and dangerous pulmonary form of disease can develop in humans. Therefore, cases must be managed with due care. Treatment options are limited and severely affected cases probably should be destroyed.
References
- Knottenbelt, D. (2008) Skin disorders In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) The Professional Handbook of the Donkey, 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 8
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