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Avian Influenza
A study of the H5N1 virus
--general info and chapters
--introduction
--full document (pdf)

Superficial Dermatitis
Ringworm
Dermatophytosis
--general info
--research
--treatment
--references

Malassezia
Malassezia pachydermatis
--general info
--research
--treatment
--references

Mud Fever
D. congolensis
--general info
--barrier-cream
--research
--references
--treatment

MRSA in Pets
Methicillin Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
--MRSA Research
--Pet-bedding
--Barrier-cream
--Newspaper clip
--Press Release
--Treatment
--Link
--Pricelist


Anti-microbial research applications
--gallery
--health benefits
--background info
--Press Release
--research
--link

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Equine cutaneous microflora
Normal resident bacteria
--general info
--research
--references

Equine gut microflora
probiotics
--general info
--research
--references

Dermatophilosis (Dermatophilus congolensis )

Dermatophilus congolensis is an equine bacterial skin pathogen of worldwide distribution, which can result in cutaneous irritation on the distal limbs of equine species. It is also referred to as rain rot, dew poisoning and cutaneous streptotrichosis. Although it may affect many animal species, it is seen most frequently in horses, cattle, sheep and goats. In temperate climates it can severely affect productivity in sheep and cattle. Present treatment relies heavily on topical applications in the form of washes and lotions, as only the most severe cases warrant the use of antibiotics.

The aim of the study was to investigate a range of herbs, namely: garlic, nettle, rosemary, dandelion and aloe vera and assess inhibition of herbal extracts on the growth of D. congolensis in-vitro.
Blank discs were impregnated with herbal extracts or sterile water (control) and the inhibition of growth was measured in-vitro. D.congolensis was spread plated onto blood agar plates and the impregnated discs were applied in the centre of the plates. Measurements were taken of the inhibition rings after 48 hrs incubation.

Garlic, nettle, rosemary, aloe vera and dandelion all showed inhibition to some degree, although some appeared to simply disrupt homogenous growth. Only garlic, nettle and aloe vera showed a significant level of inhibition compared to that of rosemary and dandelion (p<0.05).
These finding suggest that some herbs may be of use in topical application for mudfever treatment. More research is required to determine the best candidates and confirm their efficacy.

For more information on D.congolensis and Mudfever return to research