Equine Mud Fever Prevention and Welfare Management

Mud fever (pastern dermatitis) is an extremely common condition in horses managed in wet UK conditions. Preventive management dramatically reduces the welfare impact of this painful skin condition.

Key Facts

Mud fever is caused by Dermatophilus congolensis bacteria that penetrate softened skin in wet muddy conditions
The condition causes painful, crusty scabs on the lower limb, particularly below the fetlock on unpigmented skin
Horses with mud fever show lameness, pain on palpation of affected areas and reluctance to move
Prevention through dry housing, mud management and protective barrier application is more effective than treatment
Grey and light-coloured horses, and those with feathered legs, are particularly susceptible

Welfare Considerations

Mud fever causes chronic, painful skin inflammation that makes every step uncomfortable for affected horses. The condition is often cyclical - horses that partially recover when conditions improve relapse when returned to muddy conditions without effective prevention. The psychological impact of chronic pain affects temperament and willingness to work. Treatment requires removal of scabs which is itself painful, and horses often resist this necessary intervention. The welfare burden of mud fever is entirely preventable in most cases through appropriate field management, dry standing areas and preventive barrier preparations. The widespread persistence of mud fever in UK horse management reflects a failure to prioritise preventive welfare management.

What You Can Do

Create dry standing areas in paddocks to allow horses to stand out of mud
Apply barrier products to clean, dry lower limbs before turnout in wet conditions
Check lower limbs daily during wet weather and treat early signs immediately
Clip feathered legs in winter to reduce moisture retention and improve daily inspection
Advocate for equine welfare guidance that includes mud fever prevention as a core management requirement