Equine Mud Fever: Welfare and Prevention in Wet Conditions

Mud fever (pastern dermatitis) causes painful skin infections in horses during wet winter conditions and is a common and often undertreated welfare problem.

Key Facts

Mud fever is caused by Dermatophilus congolensis and other opportunistic organisms entering skin damaged by prolonged moisture
Lower legs, particularly the pasterns and fetlocks, are most commonly affected
Clinical signs include matted scabs, heat, swelling, and pain on palpation of the lower limb
White or feathered legs are more susceptible; some horses show individual variation in susceptibility
Prevention centres on reducing mud exposure and maintaining dry skin on lower limbs

Welfare Considerations

Mud fever causes significant welfare compromise through skin pain and lameness. The inflammatory response to bacterial infection causes heat, swelling, and deep discomfort in affected legs. Scab formation entraps bacteria, and removal of scabs during treatment causes acute pain. In severe cases, cellulitis spreads up the limb causing systemic illness and severe lameness. Many horses with mud fever are kept in work despite visible lameness from the condition, reflecting a normalisation of the disease that underestimates the welfare impact. Prevention through paddock management to reduce mud exposure, barrier creams, and prompt treatment of early signs significantly reduces the welfare burden of this common winter condition.

What You Can Do

Implement paddock management measures to reduce mud including hard-standing areas and rotation
Apply barrier creams to susceptible lower legs during wet weather periods
Check horses' lower legs daily for early signs of mud fever during autumn and winter
Treat affected horses promptly and seek veterinary advice for severe or cellulitic cases