Mud fever, also known as pastern dermatitis or scratches, is a common skin condition that affects horses, particularly in wet and muddy conditions.
Poor nutrition, particularly deficiencies in zinc, vitamin B, and essential fatty acids, can weaken the skin’s integrity, while existing cuts, abrasions, or insect bites provide easy entry points for bacteria.
Stopping issues before they start is the best approach - without proper care, mud fever can lead to lameness, lymphangitis and even sepsis - so we'll go over the steps you can take to be proactive below.
What are the causes of Mud Fever?
Mud fever is mainly caused by bacteria called Dermatophilus Congolensis. Naturally present in the soil, this bacteria can settle in the horse’s lower leg, especially when the skin’s integrity is compromised. Occasionally, this condition can occur through poor stable management or when the horses’ leg is consistently wet.
Horses with thick and long feathers or white socks can be more prone to developing mud fever.
How to recognise the symptoms of Mud Fever
As it is often the case, the earlier the condition is spotted, the easier it is to manage.
First, the infection appears to be a simple inflammation of the skin. Then hair loss can be observed, followed by weeping skin and the formation of scabs. These small wounds can become a point of entry for fungal or bacterial infection.
Proactive measures are more effective than reactive solutions
First and foremost, it is important to address the horse’s environment. If the horse is stabled, regular mucking out and periodical deep cleaning of the stables is a must.
Outdoors, ground management will help keeping horses and ponies out of muddy patches: move water troughs, feeding stations and access to the paddock regularly, fence out muddy corners where horses tend to stand. Rubber mats are good for keeping the mud in high traffic areas under control.
Finally, legs must be dried out properly after bathing, after turn out or after a hack in wet conditions. You may want to leave some of the feather when clipping as their primary function is to guide to rainwater run off away from the pastern.
Additional preventative measures can also be taken, like feeding supplements to support immunity and skin. Look out for echinacea rich supplements, as this is traditionally used to support the immune system. Herbs rich in fatty acids such as Linseed can also be added to support skin health and integrity.
How to manage mud fever
Taking the preventative measures listed above is the first step. Then, cleaning the affected area is the best course of action:
- When possible, wash the area with an antibacterial and anti-fungal shampoo. Make sure the area is dried well after.
- If bathing is not possible, leave any mud on the legs to dry then brush the dried mud off and use an antiseptic and anti-fungal spray on the affected area.
- Apply a protective lotion to help the healing process and to limit any bacterial or fungal growth.
Our product suggestions
Field trials conducted over the winter of 2013/2014 in the UK, France, and the USA demonstrated great success in developing a natural resistance to mud-dwelling bacteria.
Skin Power for horses, ponies and donkeys is formulated herbs such as echinacea, calendula and garlic to help horses and ponies maintain a natural resistance to mud-dwelling bacteria and support healthy coat and skin.
The formulation provides the essential fatty acids Omega 3 and 6, which are vital for maintaining the integrity, strength, and condition of the skin’s epidermal layers. It also delivers the amino acids necessary for keratin production—the protein that forms the first line of defence in both skin and hair—along with zinc and vitamin B to support keratin synthesis.
Together, these nutrients enhance the body’s overall immune response, promote cell renewal and regrowth of skin and hair, and contribute to a healthy skin and coat condition.
Our Skin Power supplement can be used alongside our lotion for optimum benefits.
Designed to care for sore or abraded skin, Mud Defender Lotion helps soften scabs, promote skin cell and hair regeneration, and maintain overall skin health with its natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. The lightweight formula absorbs easily, delivering comfort without harshness, making it ideal for regular use on sensitive areas.