An outbreak of ringworm caused by Trichophyton verrucosum in a group of calves in Vom, Nigeria

An outbreak of ringworm in young calves is reported from Vom in Nigeria. Twelve out of fourteen calves were observed to have skin lesions consistent with dermatophytosis. Lesions were seen mostly around the eyes and neck. Skin scrapings were collected from the affected areas and processed for mycology. Trichophyton verrucosum was isolated from all the affected calves. This study has shown that T. verrucosum can be a problem to watch for in calves in this particular environment, both as a zoonosis and economic importance as a result of damage to hides and skin. The need to study the prevalence of the disease among the cattle population in the state and country with a view to instituting preventive and control measures was emphasized.   Key words: Dermatophytosis, outbreak, calves, Nigeria