Mud Fever in Horses: Signs, Causes, and Prevention

Mud fever is a common condition in horses, often caused by prolonged exposure to wet or muddy conditions. It’s essential to recognise the symptoms early and take preventative steps to minimise the risk of infection. With proper care and stable management, you can protect your horse from this uncomfortable and potentially debilitating condition.

Signs of Mud Fever

Mud fever is typically easy to identify, with symptoms including:

• Matted or clumped hair.
• Moist lesions on the skin.
• Yellow or green discharge between scabs and infected areas.
• Concave scabs with bare, inflamed skin underneath.
• Painful skin fissures.
• Discomfort when flexing the limb.
• Potential lameness, lethargy, or loss of appetite.

If left untreated, mud fever can lead to significant discomfort and a longer recovery period.

Causes of Mud Fever

Mud fever is often caused by prolonged exposure to:

• Wet or muddy conditions.
• Dirty bedding or paddocks.
• Equipment or surfaces harbouring dermatophilosis spores.

Keeping the skin clean and dry is critical for treatment and prevention.

Preventing Mud Fever

Taking preventative measures is far more effective than treating mud fever after it occurs. Here’s how to minimise the risk:

Stable and Equipment Hygiene

• Keep bedding clean, dry, and non-irritating.
• Periodically disinfect all stable surfaces, equipment, and gear to eliminate spores.

Paddock Management

• Rotate paddocks regularly to prevent overuse and wet, muddy conditions.
• Lay EcoGrid E50 drainage layers, topped with a 70:30 soil-to-sand mix and seeded. This ensures a firm, dry surface that promotes healthy hooves and prevents mud build-up.

Daily Care

• Avoid over-washing or excessive grooming, as this can irritate the skin.
• Ensure legs are clean and dry before bandaging.
• Use waterproof leg wraps for turnout in wet conditions.
• Apply topical barrier creams like tea tree oil, sulphur, aloe vera, or calendula before exercise or turnout to protect the skin.

Dietary Support

• Consider supplements like soya oil, cod liver oil, seaweed (avoid for pregnant mares), antioxidants, and essential oils to promote healthy skin.

Early Detection

• Regularly inspect your horse for the first signs of mud fever. Quick action can prevent a prolonged and costly recovery.

Why Choose EcoGrid for Prevention?

Installing EcoGrid E50 as a drainage layer provides a firm, dry foundation in paddocks and stables, significantly reducing wet, muddy conditions. This proactive solution creates a healthier environment for your horse while cutting down on long-term maintenance costs.

Take Action Today

Preventing mud fever starts with vigilant care and proper paddock management. For more information on EcoGrid S50 or other drainage solutions, contact us at sales@ecotradecounter.co.uk or call 0151 639 4281.