Survey of Dermatophytosis in Goats Marketed in Calabar, Cross River State

Dermatophytosis, commonly known as ringworm, is a zoonotic fungal infection transmissible between animals and humans, posing occupational risks to farmers and market workers. This study conducted a clinical survey of dermatophytosis in goats sold at the Watt Market and Marian Market in Calabar, Cross River State, South South Nigeria. A total of 120 goats were examined for characteristic skin lesions, and fungal scrapings from lesions were collected for laboratory culture and microscopy. A structured interview was administered to 50 goat traders to assess their awareness of zoonotic dermatophytosis and personal protective practices. Clinical examination revealed visible lesions consistent with dermatophytosis in 17.5% of examined goats. Laboratory culture confirmed dermatophyte species in 13.3% of cases, with Trichophyton species being the predominant isolate. Over 80% of traders reported direct contact with animals without gloves and were unaware that ringworm could be transmitted from animals to humans. The study highlights the zoonotic risk dermatophytosis poses to goat traders and handlers in Calabar. Recommendations include market-level health education campaigns, routine animal health inspections before marketing, and promotion of personal protective practices among animal traders and handlers. Keywords: dermatophytosis, ringworm, zoonosis, goats, Cross River State