[Epidemiology of trichophytosis in fattening calves in regard to the prevention of leather defects].
During the year 1989 12,520 veal calves were visually examined for ringworm at the Zürich abattoir. The mean prevalence of ringworm amounted to 7.7% with a maximum of 12.8% in July and a minimum of 5.1% in March. Epidemiological data were collected at repeated visits from 73 calf fattening farms. Batches of calves were significantly more frequently affected in continuous management systems (51%) than in all-in all-out systems (28%). Ringworm was more prevalent in farms with large groups of calves, and where calves were shorn. Prevention of leather defects necessitates prophylactic measures. The latter are determined by the importance of animal to animal contacts for transmission of the fungus. The health status of calves at purchase and the choice of the management system are therefore of primary importance. Vaccination may be considered in problem herds. A premium for high quality skins might further stimulate the interest of the producers in leather quality.