Mud Fever in Horses: Why Prevention Matters More Than Treatment

Written by: Berna Thorne Published on:January 15, 2026

Winter is tough on equestrians, but it’s even tougher on our horses’ legs. Between the constant rain, snow, and churned-up paddocks, keeping legs dry and healthy can feel like a losing battle.

The result? The dreaded "Mud Fever" (or Scratches/Pastern Dermatitis). It’s painful for the horse, frustrating for the rider, and can sideline your training plans if it gets out of hand.

What is mud fever?

Mud fever (also known as scratches or pastern dermatitis) is a skin condition that affects the lower legs of horses, most commonly in wet, muddy conditions. Prolonged moisture weakens the skin barrier, allowing bacteria to cause irritation, scabs, and inflammation.

The Mistake: Scrubbing is Not the Answer

When we see scabs or crusty skin on a pastern, our first instinct is often to scrub it clean. But aggressively scrubbing raw, inflamed skin can actually cause more damage. It creates micro-tears in the skin barrier, driving bacteria deeper and making the infection harder to heal.

We realized the market was missing something crucial: a treatment that was tough on bacteria but gentle on skin.

Shop Mud Fever Foam Cleanser

Introducing: The Corro Mud Fever Foam Cleanser

When developing our first private label product, we focused on one simple question: how can we support the skin barrier instead of breaking it down?

We designed this cleanser to change the way you treat winter skin issues.

No Scrubbing Needed: The foaming action penetrates deep into the coat to lift dirt, debris, and bacteria away from the skin without the need for harsh friction.
Soothing Relief: Immediate relief for inflamed, hot, or sensitive areas.
Protective Barrier: It doesn't just clean; it helps condition the skin to prevent future outbreaks.

How to Use It for Best Results

1. Remove Excess Mud: Gently hose off heavy mud or dirt.
2. Apply Generously: Spray the Foam Cleanser directly onto the affected area.
3.Let it Work: Allow the foam to sit briefly to help loosen debris and soften scabs.
4. Wipe or Rinse: Gently wipe away with a clean cloth or rinse.
5.Dry Thoroughly: This is key! Bacteria loves moisture. Always towel dry legs thoroughly before putting your horse back in the stall.

Corro

Corro Mud Fever Foam Cleanser

$44.99

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Can mud fever heal on its own?

Sometimes, but it often doesn’t without proper care.

Mild cases of mud fever may improve if the skin is kept clean, dry, and protected. However, because the condition is closely linked to prolonged moisture and skin barrier damage, it can easily worsen or recur if those factors aren’t addressed.

Without appropriate management, mud fever can progress from superficial irritation to deeper infection, causing pain, swelling, and lameness. Early, gentle care and moisture control are key to preventing complications.

Should I clip feathers if my horse gets mud fever?

In many cases, yes, carefully and conservatively.

Thick feathers can trap moisture, mud, and bacteria against the skin, creating an ideal environment for mud fever. Lightly trimming or clipping feathers can improve airflow, make it easier to keep the area clean, and allow treatments to reach the skin more effectively.

That said, clipping should be done thoughtfully. Avoid clipping irritated skin too closely, and always ensure the area is kept clean and dry afterward to prevent further irritation.

Is mud fever contagious?

Mud fever itself is not contagious, but the bacteria involved can spread.

Mud fever is caused by a combination of moisture, skin damage, and opportunistic bacteria already present in the environment. While one horse cannot directly “catch” mud fever from another, shared wet conditions, contaminated mud, grooming tools, or towels can increase the risk of spread.

Good hygiene (including cleaning equipment between horses and managing muddy turnout areas) helps reduce risk across the barn.

Can mud fever be prevented completely?

Not always, but the risk can be significantly reduced.

Because mud fever is strongly linked to environmental conditions, it isn’t always possible to eliminate the risk entirely. However, consistent preventive care can greatly reduce how often it occurs and how severe it becomes.

Key preventive measures include:

Keeping legs as clean and dry as possible
Avoiding over-scrubbing or harsh products that damage the skin barrier
Supporting the skin’s natural defenses
Managing turnout in persistently wet or muddy conditions

Prevention focuses less on aggressive treatment and more on protecting the skin before problems start.