Retrospective Study of Dermatophilosis in Sheep in the Sertão of Paraíba

This retrospective study examines dermatophylosis in sheep in the Sertão da Paraíba, Brazil, over a 20-year period, identifying 7 cases. The affected sheep, comprising 4 females and 3 males, were mostly adults and included both crossbred and Santa Inês breeds. The disease was most frequently diagnosed in April, June, and November, with all cases originating from the Sertão region. Clinically, the sheep exhibited multifocal to coalescent alopecia, primarily on the head, back, neck, ears, and limbs, with some cases showing generalized lesions. The skin lesions were characterized by thickening and grayish-white crusts, while histological analysis revealed epidermal hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, and neutrophilic infiltrate, with structures compatible with D. congolensis. The study concludes that dermatophylosis occurs sporadically in this region, affecting adult sheep of both sexes, and is marked by alopecic and crusty skin lesions.