Horse Mud Fever: Prevention and Treatment in Wet Conditions

Mud fever causes painful skin lesions on horses kept in wet conditions. Prevention through management and early treatment prevent chronic and severe cases.

Key Facts

Mud fever is caused primarily by Dermatophilus congolensis in wet, muddy conditions
White-socked legs are disproportionately affected due to reduced skin pigmentation
Secondary bacterial and mite infections often complicate established mud fever
Chronic mite (Chorioptes equi) infestation mimics and exacerbates mud fever in draught breeds
Barrier creams and waterproof leg wraps provide prevention in high-risk conditions

Welfare Considerations

Established mud fever causes painful scab formation, skin exudation and swelling in the lower limb. Horses may be reluctant to bear weight and show signs of significant lameness. Removing scabs without soaking causes pain and delays healing — softening with dilute antiseptic before gentle scab removal is the correct approach. Horses kept standing in mud continuously suffer repeated cycles of skin trauma and infection that become increasingly difficult to resolve. Provision of a dry standing area and overnight stabling during high-risk seasons is a key preventive welfare measure.

What You Can Do

Create a well-drained, hard-standing sacrifice area for horses during wet winter months
Apply veterinary barrier preparations to susceptible areas before turnout in wet conditions
Dry legs thoroughly after washing and avoid removing scabs dry
Seek veterinary treatment for established cases with swelling or lameness
Check for Chorioptes mites in draught breeds with persistent lower limb skin problems