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Mud Fever and Skin Welfare in Horses

Mud fever (pastern dermatitis) is a common and painful skin condition in horses kept in wet conditions. This guide covers prevention, recognition, and welfare-centred treatment.

Key Facts

Mud fever is caused by Dermatophilus congolensis bacteria in wet, muddy conditions
The lower legs become inflamed with scabs, crusts, and painful swellings
Severe cases cause lameness and significant welfare impact
Prevention focuses on reducing prolonged skin exposure to mud and moisture
Treatment involves careful scab removal, wound cleaning, and antibiotics
Feathered breeds (Clydesdales, cobs) are particularly susceptible

Welfare Considerations and Management

Welfare-centred management of mud fever requires careful scab removal to allow treatment access—this is painful and should be done with adequate analgesia. Topical antimicrobial treatments combined with keeping legs clean and dry support healing. Environmental management (harrowing, track systems, sacrifice paddocks) reduces mud exposure significantly.

What You Can Do

Provide mud-free areas and tracks to reduce prolonged wet exposure
Inspect horses' lower legs regularly during wet weather periods
Seek veterinary advice early to prevent progression to severe disease
Consider clipping feathered legs in winter to improve monitoring and drying