If you’ve shown livestock long enough, chances are you’ve either dealt with ringworm—or know someone who has.
And let’s be honest… no one really likes talking about it.
It’s one of those things that quietly gets passed around at jackpots, county fairs, jackpots, and major stock shows. Someone notices a suspicious spot on their calf, lamb, goat, pig, or even horse and suddenly panic sets in.
“Is that ringworm?”
“Can they still show?”
“How do I stop it from spreading?”
I’ve seen families scramble the night before a show trying home remedies they found online, hoping the spot magically disappears by morning. And unfortunately, by the time many exhibitors treat it, it’s already spread to other animals, tack, brushes, trailers—or even people handling the animals.
The truth? Ringworm is extremely common in the livestock industry—but it’s also preventable when you stay proactive.
Why It Gets Worse During Show Season
Spring and summer show season creates the perfect environment for ringworm to spread.
Animals are traveling more frequently, spending time in unfamiliar barns, and experiencing stress—which can weaken their immune systems.
Warm temperatures, sweat, close quarters, and shared grooming spaces all make fungal infections easier to spread.
And many exhibitors unknowingly spread it by using the same brushes, halters, blankets, or clippers on multiple animals without disinfecting them properly.
Early Signs You Should Never Ignore
The earlier you catch ringworm, the easier it is to manage.
Watch for:
✔ Small bald patches
✔ Dry, flaky skin
✔ Circular lesions
✔ Crusting around clipped areas
✔ Excess scratching or rubbing
✔ Skin irritation after shows
Common problem areas include:
- Face
- Neck
- Legs
- Under halters
- Around blankets
- Under saddles
- Clipped areas
How to Prevent Ringworm Before It Starts
Disinfect grooming equipment
Clean brushes, combs, clippers, halters, and tack regularly.
Don’t share equipment
Especially during jackpot shows or county fairs.
Keep stalls clean and dry
Fungus thrives in damp environments.
Isolate suspicious animals
If you notice symptoms, avoid exposing other animals.
Treat skin proactively
Don’t wait until the problem becomes severe.
What We Use in Our Barn
Over the years, many show families have tried everything from bleach mixtures to random store-bought sprays that often irritate skin even more.
That’s why so many exhibitors keep Ringworm Prevention Pack from Flextran Animal Care on hand.
It’s designed to help prevent and manage common skin issues livestock exhibitors face during show season.
The pack helps support healthier skin while defending against common fungal and bacterial concerns that can pop up when animals are constantly traveling and showing.
It’s become one of those products many families keep in the barn because it’s much easier to stay ahead of skin issues than scramble right before show day.
Ringworm happens more often than people admit—but it doesn’t have to ruin your season.
The best exhibitors know that prevention is always easier than treatment.
A clean barn, sanitized equipment, healthy skin routines, and having products like Ringworm Prevention Pack ready can help keep your animals healthy, comfortable, and show-ring ready all season long.
Because the only thing you should be worrying about on show day… is winning your class.
