The Town of Comox is advising its residents and visitors that the presence of ringworm [a fungal infection] has been confirmed in ‘Cosmo the Cow’ - one of the animals of the Hands on Farm Petting Zoo.
Town staff were advised of this possible infection on Thursday, June 27, at which time the farm was immediately closed and a veterinarian contacted. The veterinarian confirmed the presence of ringworm on Friday, June 28.
Ringworm is a fungal infection that develops on the top layer of your skin. It’s characterized by a red circular rash with clearer skin in the middle. While this fungal infection rarely spreads below the surface of the skin and is treatable, people with weak immune systems may find it more difficult to rid themselves of the infection.
“Most ringworm of the skin can be treated at home with creams you can buy without a prescription” – excerpt from HealthLinkBC.
Wash your hands often to avoid the spread of infection.
For more information, please visit the website at www.healthlinkbc.ca or contact your family physician.
The farm. located in Filberg Park, will remain closed while the remaining animals are monitored and the barn disinfected. No other cases have been confirmed in any of the other animals. The Town will advise the public when it has been determined that Hands on Farm is free of this infection and reopened to the public.