Feline and Canine Dermatophytosis Prevalence Fluctuates Seasonally

Valerie Fadok, DVM, PhD, DACVD, dermatologist in the Veterinary Specialty Team at Zoetis, discusses the seasonality of dermatophytes.

Interview Transcript (slightly modified for readability)

“Feline and canine dermatophytosis fluctuates a little bit, at certain seasons. I think we tend to see more dermatophytes in the southeast, because it’s hot and moist, and that allows for dermatophytes to develop.

We do see changes from year to year in the type of ringworm we might see. There is a certain ringworm fungus called Microsporum gypseum, and it’s a soil fungus. It seems like some years we see more of it than other years; I can only assume that that has to do with the climate, the temperature, as well as the moisture.

As to whether we’re seeing more in general, I don’t think it is increasing, necessarily, although some years it may be worse than others.”