Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Mud Fever Prevention and Welfare

Mud fever is a painful and common skin condition in horses that can be substantially reduced through proactive management.

Key Facts

Mud fever is caused by bacterial infection of skin damaged by prolonged wet conditions
Lower limbs of horses standing in muddy conditions are particularly vulnerable
Prevention through field management, dry standing areas, and barrier products is more effective than treatment
Affected horses may refuse to walk or bear weight due to pain in severe cases
Pastern dermatitis can progress to significant lameness and secondary infection if untreated

Welfare Considerations

Mud fever causes genuine suffering through painful skin lesions that can prevent normal movement and behaviour. The condition is largely preventable through field management that reduces standing time in muddy conditions. Investment in field infrastructure including hard-standing areas, rotational grazing, and appropriate pasture management directly reduces this common source of horse welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Maintain dry standing areas in horse fields and rotate grazing to reduce mud pressure
Monitor horse lower limbs regularly during wet weather for early mud fever signs
Advocate for mud fever prevention to be included in equine welfare education programmes