Rain Rot in Horses: Skin Welfare Management

Rain rot (dermatophilosis) is a bacterial skin infection common in horses kept in wet conditions. Understanding its prevention and treatment protects equine skin welfare.

Key Facts

Rain rot is caused by the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis, which becomes active in wet conditions
It causes characteristic crusty scabs over the back, rump, and other areas exposed to rain
Removing the scabs reveals moist, inflamed skin and tufts of matted hair
The condition is contagious and can spread through shared grooming equipment
Horses with compromised immune systems, skin damage, or biting insect infestations are more susceptible
Treatment involves keeping horses dry and removing scabs with medicated shampoos

Welfare Considerations

Rain rot causes skin inflammation and sensitivity that can make grooming and saddling painful for affected horses. Widespread lesions over the back and saddle area may prevent riding until healed. The scab removal process itself — while necessary for treatment — is uncomfortable. Prevention through appropriate shelter provision, waterproof rugs for sensitive horses, and regular grooming to detect early lesions is far better than treating established infections. Horses without adequate shelter during wet weather are repeatedly exposed to conditions that trigger rain rot, representing a preventable welfare failure in management.

What You Can Do

Provide adequate shelter from rain for all horses in your care
Inspect horses regularly during wet seasons for early signs of skin crusting
Treat rain rot promptly with medicated shampooing and keeping horses dry
Disinfect grooming equipment between horses to prevent spread
Consider waterproof rugs for horses prone to rain rot during wet seasons