Treating Ringworm in shelter

Kitten with ringworm

Ringworm was once considered extremely difficult to manage and treat in shelter. A decade ago, cats who arrived at AHS with ringworm were immediately euthanized. But in 2015, AHS made a leap to address this fungal challenge with a new treatment method, giving cats with ringworm a second chance. 

Ringworm has always been a great concern for animal shelters. The fungus’ spores can live for years in the environment and can infect nearly anything with hair. A ringworm infection takes weeks to show up in animals, and treating it can take months, making it dangerous in environments like rescue organizations that are housing hundreds of animals. 

AHS has successfully treated ringworm in dogs for years, but curing cats is more challenging. Ringworm is far more contagious in cats than other species because felines can carry and spread the illness while remaining asymptomatic. 

The treatment method was developed with recommendations from Dr. Sandra Newbury, one of the leading shelter veterinarians in the country. It takes approximately 4-5 weeks and requires a great deal of time, space, and expensive medications. As of July 2019, more than 200 cats have been treated for ringworm at AHS, cured of the disease, and given the second chance they deserve.