Preventing fungal infections

[Mackers]

Beryl and Gubbins have a fungal infection . I sent photos to Chrissie at GG and she's pretty certain that's what they have. I'm spending this afternoon disinfecting EVERYTHING with Trigene disinfectant and washing all bedding on a really hot wash (after being soaked in Trigene first). Piggies have been bathed in Manuka and Neem shampoo.

My questions are - am I doing anything wrong in my day to day care? Why would they have developed a fungal infection in the first place? I want to stop this happening in the future (or lessen the likelihood) so any advice gratefully accepted.

This is what was on the bath mat after I'd washed Gubbins (they're both shedding a LOT of hair at the moment - probably due to the fungal infection).

 

[flips]

Sorry, I have no practical advice. Just wanted to send some happy vibes your way.

 

[Wiebke]

Here is more information fungal infections:
http://www.guinealynx.info/fungus.html

Apart from general cleanliness, there is not much you can do in order to avoid fungal infections. Spores can come on the air as well as from the bedding and hay. Warm, humid conditions can help with the spread.

Treating fungal infections as soon as they happen is the best thing you can do.

Wishing your two boys a good and quick recovery!

 

[jet]

aww hope your piggies better soon -

 

[Laura-CCC4]

I have to agree with Wiebke. This time of year sees a rise in both fungal and parasitic problems, the warmer weather and change in humidity contributes to it a lot.

One source of fungal spores can be the hay, but most of the time it comes across as just "one of those things". The only thing you can do in some attempt to prevent it developing into a symptomatic problem (as is the case here, where the hair loss has occurred), is to bath regularly (once every 1-3 months) with an anti-fungal shampoo.

You're doing all you can to actively combat the problem, chances are - if you treat the pigs properly, allowing the shampoo to soak in for the necessary times and bathing weekly for 2-3 weeks - you won't see it develop again.

 

[Mackers]

Thank you guys - makes me feel better that it's not something I'm doing wrong. Looking forward to next week's piggie bath already |). The scratches up my arms should have healed by then :{ |).