Dermatophytosis, dermatomycosis, ringworm, and favus refer to fungal infections of the skin, with favus predominantly affecting poultry. The primary cause of favus is Microsporum gallinae, which is contagious and can also affect humans. Infected birds exhibit white scaly lesions, and prevention measures include avoiding introduction of affected birds into flocks and using protective gloves during handling.

2.  Dermatophytosis, dermatomycosis, ringworm,
and favus are terms applied to the condition of
fungal infections of skin. The term favus usually
is used to denote the disease in poultry.

3.  The infection is contagious and is transmissible
to humans, as is the case with the majority of
dermatophytoses. The primary etiologic agent
of favus is Microsporum gallinae.

4.  Other than skin lesions, affected birds are
typically healthy. Favus spreads gradually
through a flock by direct contact, if left
unchecked, and can produce ringworm lesions
in their human handlers. In chickens, infection
typically produces white scaly or crusty lesions
on the comb and on the skin of the head and
neck with loss of feathers.

5.  Skin scrapings placed in a drop of 10% KOH on
a glass slide, which is then cover-slipped and
gently heated over a flame, can be used to
visualize the intact and fragmented
intralesional hyphae.

6.  Introduction of birds with lesions of favus into
existing flocks should be avoided. Other
reservoirs, such as contaminated soil, may
exist, but M. gallinae has been isolated only
from infections. Birds with favus should be
segregated to prevent transmission of the
agent. There is no label-approved treatment for
poultry, but topical application of miconazole
ointment on affected areas is apparently
efficacious

7.  Care should be exercised when handling birds
with favus to prevent zoonotic transmission.
 Use of examining gloves with proper disposal
after use is encouraged.