Horse Mud Fever: Skin Welfare in Wet Conditions

Mud fever (pastern dermatitis) is a painful bacterial skin condition affecting horses kept in wet, muddy conditions. Prevention is far easier than treatment.

Key Facts

Mud fever is caused primarily by Dermatophilus congolensis and Fusobacterium species
It affects the lower legs, causing crusty scabs, hair loss, swelling, and significant lameness in severe cases
Horses with pink skin on the lower legs (common in native breeds and chestnuts) are more susceptible
Wet, muddy conditions soften skin and break down natural barrier defenses, enabling bacterial entry
Severe cases cause cellulitis — deep tissue infection requiring antibiotic treatment and rest
Recurrence is common if management conditions are not addressed

Welfare Considerations

Mud fever causes genuine pain — horses with severe cases show reluctance to bear weight, behavioral changes, and elevated pain scores. Removing scabs (necessary for treatment) is painful and should be done gently after softening. Treatment requires thorough cleaning, antiseptic washes, barrier creams, and keeping legs dry — a significant welfare intervention during wet seasons. Preventive measures including mud management, field rotation, and protective leg coverings substantially reduce incidence and associated suffering.

What You Can Do

Rotate grazing areas to prevent constant churning of soil around gateways and feeding stations
Apply barrier creams (Vaseline, zinc oxide) to susceptible lower legs before muddy conditions
Check legs daily in wet weather and treat early signs before infection establishes
Provide a dry standing area so horses can rest without standing in mud continuously