# Mud Fever in Horses UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/mud-fever-horses-uk): Mud Fever in Horses UK — Quick answer. Mud fever (pastern dermatitis) is common on UK yards in wet weather — scabs and sores on the pastern from bacteria infecting softened skin. Keep legs dry, clip heavy feathering, and contact your equine vet if legs are swollen, hot, or lame.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/mud-fever-horses-uk): Mud Fever in Horses UK — What is mud fever?. Mud fever — also called pastern dermatitis or greasy heel — is inflammation and infection of the skin on the lower leg, especially the back of the pastern and heel bulbs. It is extremely common on British yards during autumn and winter when fields are waterlogged.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/mud-fever-horses-uk): Mud Fever in Horses UK — How mud fever develops. According to World Horse Welfare and equine veterinary guidance: 1. Prolonged wet muddy conditions soften pastern skin 2. Mud and sand cause micro-abrasions 3. Bacteria — commonly Dermatophilus congolensis — infect damaged skin 4. Scabs, crusts, and hair loss form; legs may swell Heavy breeds with long feathering (Cobs, Shires, Friesians) trap moisture and are higher risk.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/mud-fever-horses-uk): Mud Fever in Horses UK — Symptoms. | Sign | Notes | |------|-------| | Matted hair & crusty scabs | Often back of pastern | | Red, sore skin | When scabs lift | | Heat and swelling | Lower leg | | Lameness | If painful or cellulitis develops | | Clear or sticky discharge | Under scabs |

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/mud-fever-horses-uk): Mud Fever in Horses UK — Mud fever vs other leg problems. | Condition | Clue | |-----------|------| | Mud fever | Scabs on pastern after muddy turnout | | Cellulitis / lymphangitis | Severe swelling up the leg, fever — emergency | | Ringworm | Circular hair loss — contagious to other horses and people | | Photosensitivity | White leg markings in sunny weather |

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/mud-fever-horses-uk): Mud Fever in Horses UK — Treatment. Work with your equine vet — severe cases need professional care. ### Immediate management - Remove from deep mud — dry standing, woodchip, or well-drained paddock - Clip heavy feathering on affected legs to allow drying - Gently clean with lukewarm water — pat dry thoroughly - Do not aggressively pick bleeding scabs without vet guidance - Apply vet-prescribed topical treatment — antibiotic or antifungal as indicated ### What to avoid - Washing legs daily without drying — can worsen moisture damage - Occlusive greases trapping bacteria under scabs — unless vet recommended - Sharing boots and bandages between horses

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/mud-fever-horses-uk): Mud Fever in Horses UK — Prevention on UK yards. - Dry standing areas — hardstanding, shelters, or sacrifice paddocks in winter - Rotate turnout — avoid gate mouths and muddy paths - Barrier creams before turnout — some yards use as preventive; discuss with vet - Waterproof leg wraps for short muddy turnout — remove and dry legs after - Regular leg checks — see Horse winter care UK

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/mud-fever-horses-uk