Horse Mud Fever: Welfare and Skin Management

Mud fever (pastern dermatitis) is a painful bacterial skin infection affecting horses' lower legs that is prevalent in wet conditions and requires active management to prevent chronic welfare problems.

Key Facts

Mud fever is caused primarily by Dermatophilus congolensis bacteria entering skin damaged by prolonged moisture
The condition causes painful scabs, swelling, lameness, and skin cracking on the pasterns and lower limbs
Horses with feathered legs (Clydesdales, Friesians, Cobs) are at higher risk due to retained moisture under hair
Chronic cases can progress to cellulitis — deep tissue infection requiring systemic antibiotic treatment
Prevention relies on avoiding continuous wet ground exposure and maintaining dry leg skin
Some horses develop an immune-mediated hypersensitivity form (leukocytoclastic vasculitis) requiring specialist management

Welfare Considerations

Mud fever causes significant pain through inflamed, cracked skin and swollen lower limbs. Horses with active mud fever may be reluctant to move and show signs of discomfort during handling and grooming of affected areas. The condition is often underestimated by owners who attribute leg swelling to the cold rather than infection. In severe cases, the combination of pain, swelling, and restricted movement causes substantial welfare impact. Prevention through field management is far preferable to treatment of established infection.

What You Can Do

Rotate fields to avoid poached, constantly wet ground during winter months
Dry legs thoroughly after washing or wet conditions — do not leave horses with wet legs
Do not remove scabs without veterinary guidance — this can worsen pain and spread infection
Apply barrier creams to vulnerable lower leg areas prophylactically in persistently wet conditions
Seek veterinary treatment for any case involving significant swelling, heat, or lameness
Clip feathered legs in winter to allow better drying and easier monitoring of skin condition