Mud Fever is a skin disease caused by
infection with Dermatophilus congolensis, a bacteria which is often found in the
mud in paddocks where horses live. The bacteria is only able to start infecting
the skin when the skin has been damaged and skin damage most commonly occurs in
winter when conditions are very wet. Wet conditions make the skin softer and
more easily scratched and abraded. Mud Fever is seen mostly on the lower parts
of the leg and feet but the Mud Fever bacteria also causes other diseases like
Rain Scald and Cracked heels and Greasy Heel.
Once a horse has had Mud Fever,
infection is much more likely to occur in the future because scarring in the
skin results in a loss much of much of its natural protection.
Mud Fever is often seen more on white skin
areas of skin. This type of skin with less pigment obviously has a weaker
defence apparatus.
Treatment of Mud Fever is normally
achieved by using antiseptics such as chlorhexidine. When it gets more serious
antibiotics by mouth or injection must be used to control the infection. Creams
containing antibiotics are also very commonly used.
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