Outbreak of Dermatophytosis in Farmed Mink in the USA

In a 2004 outbreak of dermatophytosis among over 700 farmed mink kits in the USA, skin lesions appeared by three weeks of age, coinciding with initial hair growth. These alopecic lesions, 1 to 5 cm in diameter, were most common on the head, feet, and dorsal neck. Dark color phase kits were nearly twice as affected as dilute color kits. Despite the lesions, the kits were in good health, and most litters were unaffected. Skin scrapings were negative for ectoparasites, but fungal cultures identified Trichophyton species, consistent with T. mentagrophytes. Histological examination revealed hyperkeratosis, and no significant bacterial isolates were found.