Horses

Horse Mud Fever Prevention and Treatment

Mud fever (pastern dermatitis) causes painful skin inflammation on horses' lower legs. Prevention through management and prompt treatment reduces welfare impacts in wet conditions.

Key Facts

Mud fever is caused by bacterial infection (Dermatophilus congolensis) of skin softened by prolonged wet exposure
Heavy horses with feathering are particularly susceptible as moisture is retained under feathers
Classic presentation includes matted hair, scabs and crusty lesions on the lower legs causing lameness
Prevention involves minimizing prolonged wet exposure and keeping lower legs clean and dry
Treatment includes removing scabs, topical antimicrobials and systemic antibiotics for severe cases

Welfare Considerations

Mud fever causes painful inflammation and lameness that prevents normal movement. Horses with severe mud fever are reluctant to weight-bear and show clear signs of discomfort during leg handling. Winter management strategies including provision of dry standing areas and appropriate wound care when lesions appear prevent escalation to severe welfare-compromising disease. Feathered breeds require particular vigilance and regular feather lifting for inspection.

What You Can Do

Provide dry standing areas in muddy paddocks using hardcore, wood chip or rubber matting
Inspect legs under feathers regularly throughout winter for early mud fever lesions
Apply barrier cream to lower legs before turnout in wet conditions as prevention
Remove scabs gently after softening with antibacterial wash and dry thoroughly before applying treatment
Seek veterinary assessment for mud fever causing lameness or not responding to basic management