Vol. 10, Issue 1, Part D (2026)

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and epidemiological pattern of dermatophytosis in calves under one year of age in the Tarai region of Uttarakhand, India. Data were collected from 2007 calves screened across multiple sources, including the Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pantnagar, nearby areas of Tarai region, Uttarakhand including gaushalas, dairy farms, villages and through hospital records. Clinical examination focused on characteristic dermatological lesions such as alopecia, scaling, and crust formation. Out of 2007 calves screened, 589 were clinically positive for dermatophytosis, yielding an overall prevalence of 29.34%. Age-wise analysis showed the highest prevalence in calves aged 4-6 months (39.71%), while the lowest was observed in 10-12 months old calves (19.07%). Female calves (31.76%) were more affected than males (25.51%). Breed-wise prevalence was highest in HF crossbreds (42.67%), followed by Jersey crossbreds (31.84%), whereas indigenous breeds like Sahiwal and Badri exhibited lower prevalence (28.12% and 18.91%, respectively). Season-wise analysis revealed the highest occurrence during winter (50.96%), followed by rainy (18.72%) and summer (12.57%) seasons, highlighting the influence of climatic and management factors. These findings indicate that dermatophytosis prevalence in calves is influenced by age, sex, breed, season, and rearing environment. Effective control strategies should focus on improving hygiene, housing, and management practices, especially during high-risk seasons and among susceptible age and breed groups.