Watch out for mud fever

Article from 'Straight from the Horse's Mouth' - June 2009

Mud fever is a common condition in New Zealand as it thrives in our wet springs / winters and horses constantly living outside in damp conditions. Also known by many other names, mud fever affects the horse's lower leg and heels and seems to be more prevalent on horses with white legs.

Characteristics of mud fever include the appearance of sore cracks and crusty scabs around the horses heel, and inflammation of the area. This is all caused by the invasion of a bacterium called "dermatophilus congolensis". This bacterium penetrates the skin when it has been softened through exposure to the wet or mud, or following damage to the area. Bad mud fever can result in a scabby appearance around the fetlock and heels with swelling of the area.

If the problem has become more severe and the legs are swollen (sometimes resulting in the horse showing signs of lameness), a prompt antibiotic treatment may be required from your vet.

While prevention is always better than cure, mud fever can sometimes be extremely difficult to avoid especially in wet areas and it seems some horses are always more susceptible to mud fever than others. Horses standing around in wet muddy paddocks and yards can increase the problem. So, if you know your horse is susceptible to mud fever, you need to try protecting its legs from the wet and mud as much as possible by ensuring there is always a clean dry area for them to graze and stand on.

You may need to fence off the very wet sections of the paddock and feed your horse out of the mud. RD1 has a range of portable fencing options for you to choose from. Keep their legs clean and dry as much as possible, perhaps apply an oil based barrier cream to repel mud and moisture. Avoid hosing their legs whenever you can, but if you have to, thoroughly dry them off with a towel afterwards, patting dry the affected areas.

Make sure you check your horse's legs regularly and at the first sign of any cracked heels or scabs, treat immediately with an effective mud fever cream to prevent it from getting any worse and to hopefully clear up the problem. Mud fever is quite a persistent condition and can take time to treat effectively. Once the bacteria has been destroyed, the skin needs to continue to be protected from any further contact with wet and muddy conditions to allow new hair and skin to grow back and heal properly.

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