Mud: Does my horse get mud fever from it?
In autumn and winter, many horses suffer from flakes, small wounds, and sometimes even infections on their lower legs. These complaints are often grouped under the name “mud fever.” Many people think mud and wet conditions in the paddock or field directly cause mud fever. However, that is not entirely correct. So, what’s the real cause, and how should mud fever be treated?
Skin
Resistance
13 September '25 • 2 min reading time
Mud fever is a term horse owners use for skin problems on the lower legs and in the pastern folds. These include wounds, scabs, flakes, and infections. If the problems occur higher up the leg, the condition is usually called “rasp.”
Bacteria, fungi, parasites
Mud fever can be caused by bacterial infections, fungi, or parasites such as mites. We usually distinguish between “dry mud fever” (scales and cracks) and “wet mud fever” (with fluid and blisters). When a horse stands on wet ground, in mud, or in a dirty stable, the condition can worsen quickly. Wet, dirty legs provide the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi. If mites are the cause, even a dry stable with straw is no guarantee, since mites love straw, especially in winter.
Symptoms of mud fever
Mild mud fever shows as redness, itching, or mild pain of the skin. When inflammation sets in, you may see discharge and crusts. If the infection progresses into deeper skin layers, it causes more pain, swelling, and thick crusts. In severe cases, the lymphatic vessels can be damaged, leading to large folds and ridges on the legs. This condition is known as CPL, which occurs mainly in draft horses with heavy feathering.
The role of the immune system
Bacteria and fungi thrive when your horse’s immune system is weakened – for example, due to illness, harsh weather, or during coat change. Digestive issues can also lower immunity, since an imbalanced gut flora affects the whole system. To support gut health, ensure your horse gets plenty of high-quality forage. Diets high in sugar and grain are harmful to gut flora. Also remember that chronic stress – from lack of social contact or inappropriate training – weakens the immune system.
Treating mud fever
The key is to tackle the underlying cause. A vet can take a skin scraping to determine whether bacteria, fungi, or mites are involved. In all cases, keeping the skin clean and dry is crucial. Horses with heavy leg hair may benefit from clipping to allow better access to the skin. Wash the legs with betadine scrub or tar shampoo, then dry thoroughly by gently patting with a towel. Depending on the cause, creams with antibiotics, antifungals, or mite treatments can be applied. For mild cases with only cracks or flakes, simple mud fever ointments from tack shops or zinc-based creams are often effective. Probiotic skin sprays can further support healing.
Keeping dry
Ensure your horse has dry standing areas. Keep the stable clean and provide a dry place around the hay feeder in paddock or pasture. Remove mud and old hay around the feeder. It’s not a problem if your horse occasionally walks through puddles or mud, but it should not stand in them for hours.
Fighting from within
Mud fever treatment isn’t only external but also internal. Supporting the immune system with mild detox supplements such as nettle extract can give both metabolism and immunity a boost. The mineral silicon can help maintain healthy skin. Probiotic sprays and minerals from Bering Sea water may also aid skin repair.
Conclusion
Mud itself does not cause mud fever – the culprits are bacteria, fungi, or parasites. However, mud can make treatment harder and worsen symptoms. Keep the skin as clean and dry as possible, treat locally with the appropriate remedy, and support your horse’s immunity, gut flora, and metabolism.
