Epizootic Lymphangitis

Epizootic lymphangitis is a contagious, chronic granulomatous disease of the skin, lymphatic vessels and nodes of the limbs, neck and chest of horses and other equid species. It is caused by a dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum var farciminosum and is responsible for significant morbidity with chronic weight loss and progressive debility in affected animals. The disease is common in various parts of Africa, the Middle East, Russia, and Asia.

Four forms of epizootic lymphangitis are described: cutaneous or skin form, ocular form, respiratory form, and subclinical carrier. Two or more forms of the disease can occur concurrently in the same animal.