‘Preventing a dermatophyte infection is much easier than curing it’
Acquiring infection can not be prevented by eye
The vast majority of dermatophyte infections in cats are caused by direct contact with other infected cats. Unfortunately, infected cats are not always recognizable, because they sometimes have no visible skin lesions. Infected animals without lesions are called ‘carriers’. Such a carrier can unknowingly introduce the infection.
See also Dermatophytes
Problem only visible after a few weeks
After contact with an infected cat, it usually takes two to three weeks before the consequences become visible. For example, after some time after a ‘cat visit’ or a cat returned from a stay in another cattery, you suddenly discover that one of your cats has a few ‘bald spots’. If testing then reveals ‘Microsporum canis’, that is ‘bad news’. There is also a good chance that the infection has also spread to other cats in the meantime.
Nightmare
This usually is the beginning of a nightmare because the long-term treatment of a ‘dermatophyte outbreak’ is strenuous for the animals as well as the owner. The direct and indirect costs can be substantial.
Could such a disaster have been prevented?
Yes, prevention is possible. The easiest and most reliable way is also simple: first place each cat that enters your cattery or kennel in a separate room or bench and immediately take a coat sample. VdQd provides a handy brush (with a return envelope), with which you can brush the cat completely. If you send the sample to VdQd you will know within a few days whether the animal can safely be admitted.
If the result is positive, the cat will of course not be admitted. The waiting room or bench must be thoroughly cleaned before a next guest, newcomer or returnee can be placed in it. See Treatment .
Completely in your own hands
In this way, you effectively prevent the introduction of dermatophytes into your cattery or kennel. By keeping the infection ‘outside’, you can also give the buyers of your kittens the guarantee that they come from a dermatophyte-free environment, and guests do not run the risk of becoming infected.