Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Mud Fever Welfare

Mud fever (pastern dermatitis) causes painful skin inflammation in horses' lower limbs, requiring prevention through pasture management and prompt treatment to prevent welfare-compromising chronic infection.

Key Facts

Mud fever is caused by Dermatophilus congolensis bacteria in wet muddy conditions
Affected skin shows painful scabs, heat, swelling, and lameness in severe cases
Prevention focuses on limiting exposure to muddy wet conditions in susceptible horses
Clipping feathers on susceptible horses reduces mud fever risk by improving drying
Treatment involves removal of scabs, antimicrobial washes, and dry bandaging

Welfare Considerations

Mud fever causes genuine pain and lameness that significantly affects horse welfare during wet seasons. Prevention through pasture management and prompt treatment when signs develop is far more welfare-positive than treating established chronic infection, which is much more difficult to resolve.

What You Can Do

Manage muddy paddock areas to reduce mud fever risk for susceptible horses
Check horses' lower limbs regularly during wet weather for early mud fever signs
Seek veterinary advice for established mud fever rather than attempting home treatment alone