{"id":4485,"date":"2026-01-07T18:24:49","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T18:24:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/rbe\/?p=4485"},"modified":"2026-01-07T18:24:50","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T18:24:50","slug":"mud-fever-in-horses-how-to-manage-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/rbe\/mud-fever-in-horses-how-to-manage-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Mud fever and how to manage it"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Mud and winter seem to go hand in hand and, for many horses, that means mud fever too. This common condition can range from a minor annoyance to something serious requiring veterinary attention, particularly if not identified early.<\/p>

What is mud fever?<\/strong><\/p>

Despite the name, it\u2019s not actually the mud that causes the problem. In fact, it\u2019s a bacteria that thrives in wet, muddy conditions. Although it can be caused by different bacteria, the main one is called Dermatophilus congolensis<\/em>. These bacteria enter the skin when it\u2019s been compromised, whether this is by small cuts and scrapes, or skin that\u2019s weak due to prolonged exposure to moisture.<\/p>

\"Woof<\/a>
Woof Wear Mud Fever Turnout Boot<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Will all horses get mud fever?<\/strong><\/p>

No, not all horses won\u2019t get mud fever, but ones who are compromised are more likely to. For example, horses that spend a lot of time with wet legs (and, therefore, have a compromised, softer skin barrier) are more susceptible, as are those who have small cuts and scratches on their legs. Equally, horses with a compromised immune system can be more likely to suffer with mud fever. Some people say that over washing the horse\u2019s legs can also contribute towards a compromised skin barrier as it can soften the skin and even strip away some of the natural oils. This could also be a contributing factor.<\/p>

What are the symptoms?<\/strong><\/p>

The key to effectively managing the condition and preventing it progressing start with identifying the symptoms quickly. Tell-tale signs include scabs around the lower leg, matted hair, heat and swelling, and soreness around the lower leg area. This is one reason why it\u2019s so important to check your horse thoroughly each day as by catching mud fever early you\u2019ll be able to treat quickly to help prevent the situation getting worse.<\/p>

That said, it can be hard to check the legs of muddy horses, and sometimes the condition can develop quite quickly. If you\u2019re ever concerned about your horse or feel that his mud fever has progressed and is causing a lot of discomfort, then calling the vet for advice is a good option. If untreated, mud fever can lead to bigger issues. And in some cases, there might be other causes.<\/p>

Can you prevent mud fever?<\/strong><\/p>

There are many steps that horse owners can take to help reduce the likelihood of their horses getting mud fever. These include:<\/p>