Horse Rain Rot: Skin Welfare in Wet Conditions

Rain rot (dermatophilosis) is a bacterial skin infection in horses caused by wet conditions. Prevention through management and early treatment reduces suffering.

Key Facts

Rain rot is caused by Dermatophilus congolensis, an actinomycete bacteria that penetrates wet, softened skin
It causes matted scabs with tufts of hair attached, most commonly on the back, rump, and legs
The infection spreads through shared grooming tools, rugs, and direct contact
Horses with compromised immune function or poor nutrition are more susceptible
Treatment involves removing scabs (gently after softening), antiseptic washing, and keeping skin dry
Severe cases cause significant pain — scab removal without preparation can be acutely painful

Welfare Considerations

Rain rot causes welfare harm proportional to severity — mild cases cause minor discomfort from the crusting and hair matting, while severe widespread lesions cause significant pain, especially when scabs are removed during treatment. Horses with extensive rain rot show behavioral signs of skin discomfort (sensitivity to grooming, reluctance to be handled on affected areas). Prevention through weatherproof shelter, breathable rugs, regular inspection, and individual grooming tools substantially reduces incidence and severity.

What You Can Do

Provide adequate weatherproof shelter to allow horses to stay dry during prolonged wet periods
Inspect the back and rump regularly in wet weather and treat early signs before widespread infection develops
Use individual grooming tools and rugs for each horse to prevent spread between animals
Soften scabs with antiseptic shampoo before removal to minimize pain during treatment