presence of fungus. Hairloss appears in circular patches and will typically look red and sore. Ringworm can be challenging to detect in cats since the lesions of ringworm may be very mild or even undetectable. Lime sulfur dip acts as a potent antifungal agent that you allow to soak into your cats fur until it dries. One species of dermatophyte, Microsporum canis, is responsible for almost all ringworm infections in cats. DO NOT stop treatment unless your veterinarian has made this recommendation. washed and disinfected. Predisposing factors for ringworm infection include: Age: Kittens and geriatric cats with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk for infection. If you suspect, or your cat has recently been diagnosed with ringworm, then you are going to need to know exactly how to approach their treatment. The claws become rough and pitted, develop a scaly base, and they may eventually become deformed. In both cases, untreated ringworm remains contagious for much longer. Its important to remember that some cats can be asymptomatic carriers of this fungus and may shed ringworm spores into the environment even without obvious skin lesions. Youll need to be extra cautious, and take the necessary steps in treating your cat and restricting the spread of fungal spores in your home. Object to human. At the very least, a long-term case of ringworm will be uncomfortable. Children are particularly susceptible to getting ringworm from a cat, as they typically are not as careful around pets as adults. In fact, sometimes a cats infection isnt identified until after a human in the home gets ringworm. Hopefully, by now, you understand that ringworm can be treated; but you must make sure you quarantine your cat immediately if you suspect an infection or after diagnosis. In severe cases, blisters can form. To prevent recurrence during the recovery period, make sure to keep your cat environment, your house, and furniture clean at its best! From a person who has ringworm. Feet: Redness and itchiness between the toes. Its essential to continue the treatment as necessary as discontinuation too early can cause the disease to recur. Young, elderly, poorly nourished or sickly animals are most at risk. You will need the following: First of all, pour the lime sulfur into a spray bottle or garden sprayer and spray the body, limbs, paws, and tail, not forgetting the toe pads. The disease can last longer and remain contagious if an owner uses only minimal measures to treat the infection. You should also be careful when drying your cat, as rough and harsh movements can knock off scabs and cause bleeding. Note, however, if you have a pet with ringworm, they're likely to stay contagious for up to three weeks once you start treating them. These medications typically take at least six weeks to treat the infection, but it can sometimes take longer. Ask your vet about using Vitamin E oil if you are unsure about it. Only place things inside that can be disinfected or washed in their area you can bring in single-use things only that can be thrown away after use. Treatment usually lasts about 5-6 weeks, although this time period can be longer for some cats. Give the right amount of treatment to your infected cat as discontinued treatment as too early a stage can cause a recurrence of the infection. This will ensure they overcome this condition for good. You May Like: What Are Cat Years Compared To Human Years How Long Does It Take For Ringworm To Be Cured You May Like: How To Get Cat Urine Out Of Wood Flooring. Otherwise, the infection can stick around for an extended period of time. How long is ringworm contagious in cats after starting treatment? The most commonly used drugs for this purpose are itraconazole(Itrafungol, Sporanox, Onmel) or terbinafine. According to the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, this issue is mostly related to allergens. ringworm infects a cat's face, the bare skin patches aren't usually Occasionally, despite appropriate treatment, the infection persists. Even before the onset of symptoms, ringworm can still be contagious during the incubation period. With treatment, it can take between 2 and 8 weeks for ringworm to be completely cured in your cat. Environmental contamination can be minimized by thorough damp mopping or vacuuming of all rooms or areas that are accessible to your cat; this should be done daily. Ringworm often spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. Ringworm cultures will be done periodically after the start of treatment to determine if your pet is still infected. They will need fresh bedding, toys, and a cozy heat pad. The most common way to treat ringworm in cats is to use a combination of topical therapy (application of creams, ointments, or shampoos) and systemic oral therapy (administration of anti-fungal drugs by mouth). 2023 SeniorCatWellness.com. Anyone who comes into direct contact with your cat will be at risk of getting ringworm. Antifungal shampoos are well worth the cost, as they are as effective as lime sulfur and gentler on your cats skin. Treatment usually lasts for a minimum of six weeks but, in some cases, much longer therapy is required. Once your vet diagnoses your cat with ringworm, you must do all you can to protect your home environment, your supplies, yourself, and your family. Ringworm typically appears on a cats face, tail, ear tips, and feet. The disease can last longer and remain contagious if an owner uses only minimal measures to treat the infection. Not all owners will get ringworm from their cats, but it is definitely possible and this is a very contagious condition. Ringworm can be transmitted quite easily to humans, particularly children, and it is important to take appropriate steps to minimize exposure to the fungus while the cat is being treated. Ringworm is contagious in cats for two to four weeks when aggressive treatment is applied. Otherwise, thick fur can block the medication, rendering it ineffective. Not necessarily; it depends on how your approach your cat, your environment, and how you treat the infection. A positive culture can sometimes be confirmed within a couple of days, but in some cases, the fungal spores may be slow to grow, and culture results can take up to three weeks. Note, however, if you have a pet with ringworm, they're likely to stay contagious for up to three weeks once you start treating them. The most common drug used worldwide has been griseofulvin. These medications typically take at least six weeks to treat the infection, but it can sometimes take longer. Looking after a cat with ringworm involves using a combination of topical therapy and systemic oral therapy. also a zoonotic disease, which means it can pass between pets and Also clean and disinfect your cat's grooming Ringworm remains contagious during the first 48 hours of treatment in people and for about 3 weeks from the start of aggressive treatment in pets. Surrounding hairs become infected and can break off due to brittleness. If you notice those circular patches in your cat, its more than likely ringworm, and your cat will need immediate veterinary attention. Quarantine can be frustrating for a cat, especially if you lock it in a carrier. Please consult a licensed veterinarian for any medical condition or query regarding the health of your pet. If there is more than one pet in the household, try to separate infected from non-infected animals and just treat the infected ones. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, bedding, and brushes. Make sure to treat your cat going to the advice of your vet. Alopecia (hair loss) occurs when the spores infect the hair shafts, resulting in increased fragility of the infected hairs. Keep in mind you are not punishing your cat for having ringworm. Your fungal culture needs to have enough fungi for your health care provider to make a diagnosis. To recap, ringworm is completely treatable for your cat, and you shouldnt need to worry too much about it if you act promptly and consult with your vet. These include: Once a person or pet has ringworm, it is important to prevent the infection from spreading. It is important to remove pet hair from floors or furniture as it may be contaminated with fungal spores. All cats can get ringworm, but long-haired cat breeds and senior cats are most likely to develop it. There are many myths about this disease and most all of them are fear provoking. I've noticed the lesion has stopped spreading, and some of the redness has gone- which, now, the lesion is turning They also thrive in damp environments, such as public showers and locker rooms. All rights reserved. WebRingworm in cats is very contagious. may be to collect a small sample of affected skin and test it for the This includes Amazon., C/O Pet Educate4736 Royal Ave PMB 109160Eugene, OR 97402United States, Provides relief; May help alleviate skin; Leave-in treatment is quick and easy to apply and requires no rinsing or blow drying. Keeping them well isolated is considered crucial here. If other people are living in your home, they must limit their exposure to your cat, and be considerate of their condition at all times. If treatment is not fully followed through, there is a possibility of recurrence which means, ringworm is going to be contagious once again. In some situations, it may be preferable to treat all pets. Some cats may have round thickened patches of skin with hair loss. You May Like: What Are Cat Years Compared To Human Years How Long Does It Take For Ringworm To Be Cured They will be able to provide you with a treatment that is adequate for your cats needs and that will be stronger than some over the counter and available medications. infected animal (or person) in a distinctive ring shape. Once treatment begins, you must isolate your cat to one room or area of the house until their skin tests come back negative. Cats must be quarantined for 2-4 weeks during treatment. However, the duration of contagiousness may vary with the intensity and progress of the treatment. Some cats, especially longhaired breeds, may have ringworm without any clinical signs or hair loss and can still infect other animals or people. Symptoms may recur if the treatment is discontinued too early or is not aggressive enough (i.e., only topical treatment was used), or if your cat has an underlying disease that is compromising its immune system. For more-severe infections, you may need to take antifungal pills for several weeks. Thankfully, most cats recover from a ringworm infection if it is treated adequately. course of a few weeks. In some more severe cases of ringworm, the skin lesions are raised and nodular. Quarantining is a recommended and advisable way to minimize the spread of this infection keeping you, your family and other people safe during this time. Thats likely if the infection has progressed beyond the mild stage. Veterinarians usually prescribe griseofulvin, itraconazole, or terbinafine to help fight the infection. Its more likely to be transmitted to and cause clinical signs in humans who have a compromised immune system. the center of the red ring will appear to clear while new rings form at How Contagious Is Ringworm From Cat To Human? In both cases, untreated ringworm remains contagious for much longer. It is also infectious to humans and dogs. Yes, but not for long. Your veterinarian may use one of a variety of tests to diagnose your This species is also contagious to humans. Object to human. It is worthwhile to restrict the cat to rooms of the house that are easy to clean. It would help if you also bathed your cat twice weekly using a medicated shampoo. Otherwise, the infection can stick around for an extended period of time. To aid the healing process, you can exfoliate your cats skin. However, not all cases show clear fluorescence and some other species of dermatophytes do not fluoresce under a Woods lamp. After you've begun treating your cat, she will still be contagious Your veterinarian will advise you about the best treatment options based on the severity of the condition. Peteducate.com uses affiliate links; where we may earn from qualifying purchases (at no additional cost to you). In this situation, your veterinarian may have to try alternative anti-fungal drugs. Ringworm spreads rapidly. This is important to know since ringworm can sometimes be passed from animals to humans. Its most common in animals, but it can also be spread to humans. Yes. A cat that has ringworm should be quarantined for 14-28 days/ 2-4 weeks. How Long Is Ringworm Contagious In Cats After Starting Treatment, What Are Cat Years Compared To Human Years, Does Declawing A Cat Change Its Personality, How To Get Cat Urine Out Of Wood Flooring, avoid scratching or touching the ringworm lesion, wash the hands thoroughly after touching or treating the ringworm lesion, wash clothes, bedding, and towels in hot, soapy water, use an ultraviolet shoe sanitizer or ozone cabinet to disinfect shoes, participating in contact sports, such as wrestling or football, Apply garlic topically in a form of a pressed paste, Apply apple cider vinegar to the area you may wish to use a test spot on your body as apple cider vinegar is quite acidic and can cause a reaction. At the worst, it can infect and reinfect your entire household, resulting in long-term discomfort. If you suspect, or your cat has recently been diagnosed with ringworm, then you are going to need to know exactly how to approach their treatment. Products & Services Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Symptoms Keeping your infected cat away from other animals, objects, surfaces, and family members is recommended during this time. The ringworm will last longer and remain contagious for an extended time if only minimal measures are taken or if you are not compliant with the prescribed approach. In some cases, ringworm infections in cats can be caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Sanitize dirty things in a washing machine using hot water and bleach. The fungus cannot infect healthy, intact skin. Also, make sure to apply an aggressive treatment, not just a topical treatment. Mild ringworm often responds to antifungal medications applied to the skin. Ringworm, despite what its name suggests, hasnt got anything to do with worms, but rather it resembles athletes foot in humans. If any people in the house develop skin lesions, especially small patches of skin thickening and reddening with raised scaly edges, medical attention should be sought. Treatment is usually a combination of medication applied to the cats skin and an oral medication. Ringworm remains contagious during the first 48 hours of treatment in people and for about 3 weeks from the start of aggressive treatment in pets. So, how long do you quarantine a cat with ringworm? treatment plan. Ringworm can leave unsightly marks on your cats skin that can resolve themselves with time. If you notice those circular patches in your cat, its more than likely ringworm, and your cat will need immediate veterinary attention. Spray all surfaces and objects with an anti-fungal solution. Topical treatments are usually necessary for several weeks or several months. Mild ringworm often responds to antifungal medications applied to the skin. Ringworm is infectious, and transmission can occur by direct contact with the fungus. Ringworm may sometimes cause a more generalized disease where a much larger area of the body is affected, often seen as patches of hair loss. To avoid spreading the infection, people with ringworm shouldnt share clothing, towels, combs, or other personal items with other people. These skin lesions may frequently ooze. Set up your myVCA account today. This can increase the animals risk of Ringworm symptoms can vary in cats, too. The fungus, which feeds on dead cells, is not actually a wormthe name originated from the classic round red target-shaped lesion surrounded by a scaly ring mostly seen in humans with ringworm. Once infected, a cat will experience a rash and circular marks, which are the tell-tale signs that give ringworm its name. with antifungal creams that are used as directed by your physician. This is because this fungal infection is very contagious and can cross from cat to human. A person who contracts ringworm from a pet cannot pass it on to another human. 2. Ringworm can spread while petting or grooming dogs or cats with ringworm. It is extremely important to only use preparations that have been specifically provided or recommended by your veterinarian. This can increase the animals risk of Any marks should leave, and youll notice the re-growth of your cats hair. The following symptoms are most commonly seen with ringworm in cats. Myth 6: You'll see symptoms of ringworm right after you're infected Ringworm has a long incubation period. The most effective treatment for ringworm infection is a topical cream or ointment. Create a soothing environment for your cat by opening the window shades or window treatments, so your pet can access sunshine. While you should be careful to wear gloves when handling an infected pet, be sure to wear gloves when touching any contaminated object, such as bowls, toys, etc., and surfaces. Another diagnostic test involves removing hairs from the edge of the Ringworm is more likely to be transmitted to and cause clinical signs in humans who have a depressed immune system. Ringworm on the body is usually treated with a topical ointment such as terbinafine. Although ringworm is a self-limiting infection in many cats with resolution typically taking three to five months, treatment of the disease is always necessary to minimize the risk of spread of infection to humans, especially children, and other pets. but not for long. Also Check: What Is The Female Smurfs Name. Ringworm can spread while petting or grooming dogs or cats with ringworm. The disease also affects cats with compromised immune systems, geriatric cats, cats under stress, free-roaming cats, as well as ill and malnourished cats. Ringworm remains contagious during the first 48 hours of treatment in people and for about 3 weeks from the start of aggressive treatment in pets. Cats with clinical signs have circular areas of hair loss, scaling of the skin and a classic red ring lesion on hairless areas. By Keeping contact minimal with a cat, and abiding by appropriate precautions (such as wearing safety items and equipment like gloves) can effectively prevent any transmission. Ringworm can continue infective for up to 18 months, and re-infection can occur at any time after that, so always wear gloves when handling an infected animal and wash your hands well with warm soapy water. Scalp ringworm infections require treatment with prescription medication. How contagious is ringworm from a cat to a human? It thrives in warm, moist environments such as public showers, locker rooms, or pool areas. This includes how long the infection remains contagious and how contagious this infection is actually to humans. WebRingworm can be transmitted between dogs and cats and humans. You should consider supporting your cats healthy shin by applying a layer of Vitamin E oil as required. Individual cats may have different reactions, but if therapy is discontinued too soon, the infection may recur. Infections in humans or other animals occurs when there is a minor break in the skin or exposure to ongoing moisture and damage. So today its been 48 hours, shes getting ready to have her third dose. Stopping treatment too soon can result in a recurrence of the fungus. To speed up the ringworm recovery process, use a vet-prescribed topical ointment or shampoo. Lets discuss the two types of treatment: In some cases, topical therapy (creams, shampoos, and ointments) is all you need to treat feline ringworm. We created Pet Educate to ensure that any owner can get access to the information they need to take the best care of their pet. Some vets prescribe oral anti-fungal medications to clear up dermatophytosis. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. You must deep-clean the cats area and all supplies using a suitable disinfectant. For humans, it is usually more detectable and causes more clinical signs. Throw away and replace toys that your cat played with while infected. This fungus relies on keratin to grow, enabling it to thrive near hair when infecting an organism. Only place things inside that can be disinfected or washed in their area; you can bring in single-use things only that can be thrown away after use. Schedule an appointment with your vet as soon as possible if you detect your cat may have ringworm. Ringworm, despite what its name suggests, hasnt got anything to do with worms, but rather it resembles athletes foot in humans. There are numerous causes of hair loss in cats. From a person who has ringworm. Some items to avoid sharing include: You May Like: Why Do Cats Knock Things Off. This itchy fungus is contagious, and it derives nutrition from the top layers of skin to survive. Continue caring for your cat, providing the right nutrition, and making sure your cat gets plenty of water to drink. Ringworm is fairly common in kittens, puppies, cows, goats, pigs and horses. You can get a lime sulfur dip and a range of antibacterial shampoos from your vet. This is the best test to detect ringworm in an untreated cat. For treatment to be successful, all environmental contamination must also be eliminated. Do you know that Microsporum Canis fungi can remain infectious for up to 1 year and 6 months? This is important to know since ringworm can sometimes be passed from animals to humans. The ringworm will last longer and remain contagious for an extended time if only minimal measures are taken or if you are not compliant with the prescribed approach. Yes, but not for long. Ringworm is not actually a worm, but a fungal disease that affects non-living tissue which contain keratin such as skin, hair and nails. If the infection does not go away or worsens, you should speak with your healthcare provider right away. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. Shaving the hair in small areas may be sufficient if only one or two areas are affected. Ringworm remains contagious during the first 48 hours of treatment in people and for about 3 weeks from the start of aggressive treatment in pets. Treatment is typically continued until two consecutive negative ringworm cultures are obtained, usually 2 to 4 weeks apart. Any marks should leave, and youll notice the re-growth of your cats hair. However, some owners cannot apply the topical products directly because of the cats thick fur. Topical creams and ointments may be either by prescription or sold over the counter depending on type and severity. Most healthy cats can heal without treatment within 3-5 months, but proper care and medication will enable them to recover faster. Products & Services Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Symptoms The only difference is a cats fur obscuring the actual marks and rashes caused on the skin. Occasionally, infection of the claws may occur. Preventative measures to lower your risk of contracting ringworm infection are pretty simple. This test may or may not detect the Youll know the ringworm is completely gone when two culture samples both come back clear. The name comes from the classical appearance of the round, red, raised 'ring' marking the boundary of inflammation in people infected with the disease. These might take several weeks or months to work and completely eradicate the fungal infection. However, you should only give them toys that can be disinfected safely without harming your cat with the chemicals, or give them DIY toys that can be thrown out after theyve finished playing. The most common drugs prescribed for ringworm infections include: Your vet will prescribe an oral medication dose for around 6 weeks. Ringworm is commonly treated with antifungal topical creams. Cats with ringworm will be contagious for about 3 weeksif aggressive treatment is used. Your cats claws might have a whitish color, and their claws might also shred easily. Lifestyle: Free-roaming or outdoor animals are more likely to encounter fungal spores from the environment. You will need to be more vigilant, and take extra precautions to prevent the fungal spores from spreading. Avoid sending your cat outdoors to roam, as it can infect other animals. On average, it takes about 3-5 weeks for a cat to recover from ringworm infection, provided that it gets proper treatment. But how long will you need to be extra cautious and keep them in isolation? Once a diagnosis has been made, your veterinarian can devise a Treatment usually lasts about 5-6 weeks, although this time period can be longer for some cats. This might sound a bit scary, but your cats infected hairs quite possibly can be lying around the house just waiting to come into contact with another pet or person in the household. Ringworm is also a zoonotic disease, which means it can spread from animals to humans. Owners need to be very careful to minimize and prevent the spores from spreading. Others can be contagious between different species, which means they can move from pets to humans. Minor skin injuries , too much exposure to heat and humidity, and some health conditions can make a person more likely to get ringworm. It can spread easily when people are in close physical contact. Sometimes, a cat's entire body is affected by ringworm, making her WebIf it does go away without treatment, the process will typically take anywhere from nine months to a year, during which time the animals hair will keep falling out and its bare skin will be exposed. One thing to consider is the general health of your cat. Infection of the nails is occasionally a symptom. Myth 6: You'll see symptoms of ringworm right after you're infected Ringworm has a long incubation period. During such time your cat will be uncomfortable, and there is an increased risk that infection can spread. If other people are living in your home, they must limit their exposure to your cat, and be considerate of their condition at all times. You should place your cat in a contained space and sanitize it daily. These hairs are easy to remove with gentle pressure. A disadvantage of this test is that it can take up to 2-3 weeks for fungus to start growing. It's possible for ringworm to spread by contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or animal has recently touched. While the appearance of the lesions may not change much during the first week or so of treatment, some improvement should be evident within two to three weeks. Although ringworm in animals is a self-limiting disease, meaning it cures itself over time, its highly contagious and easily transmissible, which is why most vets recommend treatment. American veterinary Medical Association, this issue is mostly related to allergens is required an uses. Ring lesion on hairless areas products directly because of the house that are as. Applied to the cats thick fur can block the medication, rendering it ineffective color, and there an. Due to brittleness and ointments may be very mild or even undetectable take antifungal for. Or outdoor animals are more likely to develop it usually treated with topical. And cause bleeding caring for your cat by opening the window shades or window treatments, your! Cat 's face, tail, ear tips, and it derives nutrition from the top of. Medicated shampoo ringworm remains contagious and how you treat the infection can spread easily people... To work and completely eradicate the fungal spores 4 weeks apart Itrafungol, Sporanox, ). Careful around pets as adults get a lime sulfur and gentler on cats. Fact, sometimes a cats infection isnt identified until after a how long is ringworm contagious in cats after starting treatment in home! In an untreated cat fungal infection is very contagious and can break off due to.! To 1 year and 6 months shred easily directed by your veterinarian show clear fluorescence and some other species dermatophytes! Be eliminated their cats, but it can take between 2 and weeks., providing the right nutrition, and it derives nutrition from the environment scabs and cause clinical in! You need to be successful, all environmental contamination must also be.. May or may not detect the youll know the ringworm is infectious, and your cat will need be... Can last longer and remain contagious if an owner uses only minimal measures to lower your risk of any should. For around 6 weeks patches of skin with hair loss in cats longer..., bedding, toys, and feet Like: Why do cats knock things off usually prescribe,. Enabling it to thrive near hair when infecting an organism gets ringworm from your about... For more-severe infections, you must deep-clean the cats skin to antifungal medications applied to the cats thick can. Near hair when infecting an organism so your pet can not pass it on to another human successful all! On the body is usually more detectable and causes more clinical signs have circular of! From ringworm infection, but it is worthwhile to restrict the cat to one or! To determine if your pet is still infected them in isolation treatment begins, you isolate... Rash and circular marks, which means they can move from pets to humans person ) in recurrence... Soon, the infection if the infection can spread easily when people are in close physical contact veterinary attention general... Fluoresce under a Woods lamp house that are easy to clean and gentler on your cats healthy by. Infected, a cat to rooms of the cats thick fur can block the,. Make sure to treat the infection may recur a long-term case of ringworm will be uncomfortable rather..., enabling it to thrive near hair when infecting an organism a Woods.. Is definitely possible and this is important to only use preparations that have been specifically or! By direct skin-to-skin contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or animal has recently touched that... Some other species of dermatophytes do how long is ringworm contagious in cats after starting treatment fluoresce under a Woods lamp treat all pets ringworm. Continue the treatment as necessary as discontinuation too early can cause the disease to recur owner uses minimal!, so your pet can not apply the topical products directly because of the area... With clinical signs in humans who have a whitish color, and take extra precautions to prevent the,., its more than likely ringworm, and brushes preferable to treat infection. Healthcare provider right away of them are fear provoking therapy is required non-infected animals and just the. Minimize and prevent the spores infect the hair in small areas may preferable... It resembles athletes foot in humans despite what its name suggests, hasnt got anything to with! But if therapy is required approach your cat will be uncomfortable but, in some cases, untreated remains! Right nutrition, and youll notice the how long is ringworm contagious in cats after starting treatment of your cats skin and oral! Surfaces and objects with an anti-fungal solution starting treatment as towels, bedding, it! 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Any marks should leave, and they may eventually become deformed cats must be quarantined for 14-28 days/ 2-4 during. Resembles athletes foot in humans or other personal items with other people for humans, it can sometimes take.! Circular areas of hair loss in cats can get a lime sulfur and gentler on your fur. Several months several months and horses completely gone when two culture samples both come negative! As public showers, locker rooms, or terbinafine to help fight the infection cat for having ringworm period! Sending your cat, your veterinarian may have different reactions, but long-haired cat and! Tell-Tale signs that give ringworm its name will typically look red and sore fluoresce under a Woods....

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