Mud Fever is caused by a bacterium called Dermatophilus
Congolensis. This germ can be found anywhere and it lives in the soil,
in infected scabs and on everyday items like tack, rugs and stable
walls.
Mud Fever is spread from horse to horse or through contact with an
infected surface. It is most prevalent when there has been a lot of rain
but can occur during Summer or Winter.
Mud Fever can be characterised by hair loss, crusty scabs, irritation
and pain. When the scabs are removed they leave moist pink or grey holes
sometimes with jelly-like pus. It can also be known as Greasy Heel and
Rain Scald depending on where on the animal it occurs.
Treating Mud Fever is generally a three-step process:
1. Removal of the scabs
2. Cleaning/Disinfecting the area
3. Applying a healing/barrier cream
1.It is very important to remove all the scabs as they contain the
bacteria that will cause the infection to reoccur. Use a product like
Muddy Marvel Descab to remove the scabs.
2.Disinfect the area with a broad-spectrum disinfectant like Muddy
Marvel Disinfectant or Betadine Surgical Scrub.
3. Apply a healing cream like Muddy Marvel Barrier Cream or Heel to Hoof
to protect and heal the area.
Prevention
If your horse is prone to outbreaks of Mud Fever ensure that his legs
are kept clean and dry and apply the barrier cream as a preventive as
wet weather approaches. Another product that people find excellent
against Mud Fever is the Keratex Mud Shield Powder.
