PREVALENCE OF PATHOGENIC BACTERIA AND DERMATOPHYTES IN SKIN DISORDERS IN BELGIAN HORSES

One hundred and ninety five samples derived from horses in Belgium with skin disorders were examined. The prevalence of pathogenic bacteria and/or dermatophytes was 42%. Pathogenic staphylococci were isolated from nearly 30% of the samples. More than half of these isolated from nearly 30% of the samples. More than half of these isolates were identified as Staphylococcus aureus. S. intermedius and S. hyicus were isolated equally frequently. Seven of 21 S. aureus, 1 of 10 S. intermedius and none of 10 S. hyicus isolates had acquired resistance to one or more antibiotics used in horses. Acquired resistance for penicillin was observed only in S. aureus isolates. Dermatophilus congolensis was identified in 10 samples. Six cases of dermatophilosis appeared within a short period of time during the winter of 93/94, following a period of extremely heavy rainfall. Dermatophytes were isolated from 12% of the samples. Trichophyton equinum was isolated most frequently. Microsporum canis, T. verrucosum and M. gypseum were identified sporadically.