Fungal infections are among the most common skin conditions in horses. They occur regardless of the season, are easily transmitted, and result in circular, scaly skin lesions that are usually not itchy. Young horses, whose immune systems are not yet fully developed, are particularly susceptible. Humans can also become infected with equine skin fungi.
Certain skin fungi are a natural part of a healthy horse’s skin flora in specific quantities. They provide natural protection against disease. Symptoms of disease only appear when a weakened immune system or an underlying condition leads to the excessive proliferation of certain fungi, or when the horse becomes infected with harmful fungi.
The most common skin fungal pathogens in horses are various subspecies of the genus Trichophyton, particularly Trichophyton equinum, as well as, less commonly, Microsporum. These fungi form microscopic developmental stages, known as spores, which are highly resistant to environmental influences. They can survive for months in the stable, on grooming equipment, or in the pasture. Horses can therefore become infected with a skin fungus even in their own stall under the right conditions.
Among the most common triggers of a fungal skin infection are, on the one hand, a weakened immune system due to prolonged medication, malnutrition, chronic stress, pre-existing conditions such as bacterial respiratory and intestinal infections, or skin injuries; and on the other hand, poor hygiene in stabled horses, moldy bedding, contaminated feed, and a warm, humid environment.
After an incubation period of about one to six weeks, the disease usually begins with small, circular, slightly scaly skin lesions that primarily appear on the neck, shoulders, back, and flanks. In addition, areas of the body where the horse sweats more heavily are particularly affected, such as the saddle and girth areas, the armpits, and the knee folds, but also the head—especially around the nose—since this is where horses first come into contact with other horses and can become infected.
These initially localized lesions are caused by fungal secretions that trigger an inflammatory reaction in the skin. As the condition progresses, these inflammatory lesions can significantly enlarge and, in some cases, penetrate deeper skin layers, leading to hair loss, blister formation, and, consequently, crusty, matted scabs. Itching and secondary bacterial infections are rarely observed.
The fungal infection affecting horses’ skin can be transmitted to humans. This is known as a zoonosis (see corresponding article). In such cases, lichen-like skin lesions appear on the hands and forearms. If you notice any such skin lesions on yourself, please consult a doctor.
Your veterinarian will perform a general examination and ask you, as the owner, for a detailed history regarding the onset and duration of the symptoms, as well as any pre-existing conditions or stress-inducing factors, such as a change in stabling or participation in competitions. Once the findings have been gathered, an initial provisional diagnosis can be made.
Further testing is necessary to confirm this diagnosis, rule out other skin conditions, and identify the exact type of fungus. Some Microsporum subspecies can be detected under UV light, as some of their metabolic products fluoresce. However, the absence of fluorescence does not rule out a fungal skin infection, as fluorescent metabolic products are present in only about 50 to 80 percent of cases.
Fungal spores can be detected under a microscope using a skin scraping (removal of a superficial skin sample) or a skin biopsy (removal of a deep skin sample). However, an exact diagnosis is only possible after growing a fungal culture, which can also be performed in a doctor’s office or clinic. However, such an examination, including identification of the exact fungal species, takes at least two to three weeks.
Even though a fungal infection will generally clear up on its own, treatment is necessary and advisable, if only because of the potential risk of spreading the infection. Various topical medications and cleansing solutions are available for external use. Treatment should always be continued for about one to two weeks after the external symptoms have subsided. This is the only way to eliminate all spores and prevent a possible reinfection.
A vaccine against skin fungus in horses is also available. Your veterinarian can administer the vaccine for both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. As part of skin fungus treatment, the vaccine helps accelerate the healing process and thereby significantly reduce the treatment burden.
The most important additional measure as part of skin fungus treatment is general hygiene. Since fungal spores can survive exceptionally well in the environment, both the surroundings and the grooming equipment and accessories of the affected horse should be washed several times with hot water and disinfected. The affected horse should not have contact with other horses again until treatment is complete.
The prognosis is considered favorable provided that all treatment and hygiene measures are followed.
Following these preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of a fungal skin infection:
A skin fungus vaccination does not prevent infection, but it reduces symptoms and accelerates healing. It is primarily recommended for facilities with high horse turnover, such as training stables; facilities that want to protect themselves from the introduction of a skin fungus infection, such as stud farms; and facilities where a skin fungus infection has recently occurred. Vaccines are available specifically against Trichophyton equinum or against various strains of trichophytes and microspores. The vaccination is administered twice, two weeks apart, and provides protection for nine months to one year. Through petsXL, your veterinary practice can send you a personalized vaccination schedule for your horse. You’ll receive automatic reminders when it’s time to schedule your next appointment.
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