Horse Mud Fever Chorioptic Mite Management in Draught Breeds

Chorioptes equi mites cause severe pruritus and skin reaction in feathered draught breeds. Distinguishing mite infestation from bacterial mud fever guides correct treatment.

Key Facts

Chorioptes equi infests the heavily feathered lower limbs of Clydesdale, Shire and Friesian horses
Affected horses stamp, bite at their legs and show severe pruritus
Skin scrapings confirm diagnosis but negative results do not rule out infestation
Licensed treatment includes ivermectin or fipronil spray with feather removal for access
Secondary bacterial infection frequently complicates established mite infestations

Welfare Considerations

Chorioptic mange causes intense pruritus that significantly disrupts horse comfort, sleep and behaviour. Affected horses may injure themselves through repeated stamping and self-trauma. The heavy feathering that predisposes to mite colonisation also makes treatment challenging — mites hide deep in the feather shafts away from topical treatments. Feather clipping improves treatment access significantly. Stable hygiene, washing and drying of leg wraps, and treatment of all affected animals simultaneously prevent reinfection. The condition is significantly underdiagnosed in feathered breeds where skin changes are hidden by feathering.

What You Can Do

Request skin scraping from lower limb lesions in feathered breeds with persistent pruritus
Consider feather clipping to improve treatment access despite cosmetic concerns
Treat all horses in the yard simultaneously to prevent cross-infestation
Wash and dry leg wraps, boots and bedding in contact with affected horses
Treat secondary bacterial skin infection alongside mite treatment if present