Horse Health
Mud Fever in Horses UK
By Kaiser Khan, EditorPublished Last updated 3 min read
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.
Key takeaways
- Mud fever (pastern dermatitis) is skin inflammation of the lower leg — scabs, sores, and swelling — triggered by prolonged wet muddy conditions and bacterial infection of damaged skin.
- Wet mud softens skin; repeated wet-dry cycles and dirt allow bacteria (often Dermatophilus) to infect the pastern. Long feathering on heavy breeds traps moisture.
- Keep legs dry and clean, gently remove loose scabs as advised by your vet, use prescribed topical or systemic treatment, and avoid returning to deep mud until healed. Severe cases need veterinary assessment.
A wider perspective: working-horse welfare and ways to help from the non-profit World Animal Rescue Network.
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.
How mud fever develops
According to World Horse Welfare and equine veterinary guidance:
- Prolonged wet muddy conditions soften pastern skin
- Mud and sand cause micro-abrasions
- Bacteria — commonly *Dermatophilus congolensis* — infect damaged skin
- Scabs, crusts, and hair loss form; legs may swell
Heavy breeds with long feathering (Cobs, Shires, Friesians) trap moisture and are higher risk.
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 |
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 |
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
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
When to call your equine vet urgently
- Severe swelling spreading up the leg
- Marked lameness or reluctance to move
- Fever or lethargy
- No improvement after several days of management
- Multiple horses affected — rule out contagious conditions
Related guides
Sources & further reading
This guide draws on the publicly available UK advice listed below. Follow the links for the relevant guidance or the organisation's broader care resources.
PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Editorial sources and further reading (last updated 2026-06-25).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is mud fever in horses?
- Mud fever (pastern dermatitis) is skin inflammation of the lower leg — scabs, sores, and swelling — triggered by prolonged wet muddy conditions and bacterial infection of damaged skin.
- What causes mud fever?
- Wet mud softens skin; repeated wet-dry cycles and dirt allow bacteria (often Dermatophilus) to infect the pastern. Long feathering on heavy breeds traps moisture.
- How do you treat mud fever?
- Keep legs dry and clean, gently remove loose scabs as advised by your vet, use prescribed topical or systemic treatment, and avoid returning to deep mud until healed. Severe cases need veterinary assessment.
- Can mud fever cause lameness?
- Yes — if infection spreads or legs become very swollen and painful. Cellulitis and lymphangitis are serious complications needing urgent equine vet care.