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Favus (Ringworm)

Other Names: Avian Dermatophytosis, Avian Ringworm

Favus or avian ringworm is a fungal skin infection caused by a group of zoophilic fungi called dermatophytes. Microsporum gallinae(also known as Lophophyton gallinae) is the most common species isolated from cases of favus in chickens.

Affected chickens may initially develop white, powdery spots and wrinkled crusts with scabs along their comb and wattles. As the infection progresses, the fungus will start to spread to other areas of the head, causing the skin to thicken and appear crusty and scaly. In long-standing or severe cases it may result in permanent damage to the beak and eyelids.

Transmission

Dermatophytes are transmitted to chickens through direct or indirect contact with skin of other infected birds, animals, insects, people, soil, or fomites (equipment, objects, clothes, etc.).

Treatment

Ringworm is usually successfully treated using basic over-the-counter topical fungicidal medications. The medication may be in the form of a powder, ointment, or cream. It’s applied directly to the affected areas of the bird.

Clinical Signs

White powdery comb and/or wattles

Thickened, crusty skin around head

Diagnosis

History
Clinical signs
Physical exam
Cytology

Treatment

Name	Summary
Supportive care	Isolate the bird from the flock and place in a safe, comfortable, warm location (your own chicken "intensive care unit") with easy access to water and food. Limit stress. Call your veterinarian.
Miconazole	Applied topically, twice a day until the infection clears up.
Povidone iodine	Applied topically once a day until the condition clears.
Enilconazole	Applied topically until the infection clears.

Yamaguchi S, Sano A, Hiruma M, Murata M, Kaneshima T, Murata Y, Takahashi H, Takahashi S, Takahashi Y, Chibana H, Touyama H, Ha NT, Nakazato Y, Uehara Y, Hirakawa M, Imura Y, Terashima Y, Kawamoto Y, . Isolation of dermatophytes and related species from domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus). Mycopathologia. (2014)
Murata M, Takahashi H, Takahashi S, Takahashi Y, Chibana H, Murata Y, Sugiyama K, Kaneshima T, Yamaguchi S, Miyasato H, Murakami M, Kano R, Hasegawa A, Uezato H, Hosokawa A, Sano A.. Isolation of Microsporum gallinae from a fighting cock (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Japan. Med Mycol. (2013)
Goodenough AE, Stallwood B.. Intraspecific variation and interspecific differences in the bacterial and fungal assemblages of blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) and great tit (Parus major) nests. Microb Ecol. (2010)
B Coles Essentials of Avian Medicine and Surgery, Third edition. Blackwell Publishing (2007)
Gründer, S., Mayser, P., Redmann, T., & Kaleta, E. F. Mycological examinations on the fungal flora of the chicken comb. Mycoses (2005)
Khosravi AR, Mahmoudi M.. Dermatophytes isolated from domestic animals in Iran. Mycoses (2003)
Bradley FA, Bickford AA, Walker RL.. Efficacy of miconazole nitrate against favus in oriental breed chickens. Avian Dis (1995)
Bradley FA, Bickford AA, Walker RL.. Diagnosis of favus (avian dermatophytosis) in Oriental breed chickens. Avian Dis. (1993)
Droual R, Bickford AA, Walker RL, Channing SE, McFadden C.. Favus in a backyard flock of game chickens. Avian Dis. (1991)
Fonseca, Edwin, and Leonel Mendoza. Favus in a fighting cock caused by Microsporum gallinae. Avian diseases (1984)
El-Batrawi, A. M. Clinical and experimental studies on favus in chickens. Veterinary Medical Journal (1984)
van Cutsem, J., & Janssen, P. A.. Experimental systemic dermatophytosis. Journal of investigative dermatology (1984)

Risk Factors

Living in damp or humid regions

Etiology

Microsporum gallinae

Favus (Ringworm)

Transmission

Treatment

Clinical Signs

Diagnosis

Treatment

Support

Prevention

Scientific References

Risk Factors

Etiology

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