Equine Mud Fever: Welfare and Management in UK Conditions

Mud fever (pastern dermatitis) is a painful bacterial skin condition affecting horses and ponies in wet conditions, with welfare implications around pain management, housing, and owner recognition of severity.

Key Facts

Mud fever is caused primarily by Dermatophilus congolensis and Fusobacterium spp. bacteria entering skin damaged by prolonged moisture
White-legged horses and ponies are disproportionately affected due to reduced skin pigmentation
Severe cases develop cellulitis, lameness, and systemic illness requiring intensive treatment
UK wet winters create endemic risk for horses kept on poorly draining pasture

Welfare Considerations

Unrecognised or undertreated mud fever causes chronic pain, reluctance to move, and progressive skin damage. Horses that develop cellulitis experience significant systemic inflammation with fever, swelling, and severe lameness. Removal of scabs — necessary for treatment — is painful and requires appropriate analgesia and sedation in severe cases. Affected horses are often incorrectly assessed as reluctant or difficult rather than in pain. Early recognition and treatment significantly improve welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Inspect horses' legs daily during wet weather and treat mud fever early
Provide appropriate barrier creams and dry standing areas to prevent skin maceration
Consult a veterinarian for severe cases requiring systemic antibiotics and analgesia
Improve field drainage and provide hard standing areas to reduce mud exposure