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Nottinham Trent University

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Avian Influenza
A study of the H5N1 virus
--general info and chapters
--introduction
--full document (pdf)

Superficial Dermatitis
Ringworm
Dermatophytosis
--general info
--research
--treatment
--references

Malassezia
Malassezia pachydermatis
--general info
--research
--treatment
--references

Mud Fever
D. congolensis
--general info
--barrier-cream
--research
--references
--treatment

MRSA in Pets
Methicillin Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
--MRSA Research
--Pet-bedding
--Barrier-cream
--Newspaper clip
--Press Release
--Treatment
--Link
--Pricelist


Anti-microbial research applications
--gallery
--health benefits
--background info
--Press Release
--research
--link

TIK

Tick Identification Key

PIC

Parasite Image Collection

Equine cutaneous microflora
Normal resident bacteria
--general info
--research
--references

Equine gut microflora
probiotics
--general info
--research
--references

Dermatophilosus (Dermatophilus congolensis)

Dermatophilosis (also known as mudfever, rainscald, streptotrichosis) is an ulcerative skin disease caused by the actinomycete Dermatophilus congolensis and affect mainly equids, sheep and cattle. In temperate climates the area affected is mainly the distal limb with excessive feathereing being a contributing factor. In (sub)-tropical the affected areas can be more wide spread and often affects large dorsal areas. Symptoms are more severe in these climate regions and incidence is often increased through arthropod transmission.

In moderate climates it is typically a skin disease that affects heavy horses due to their prominent feathering of the fetlock (and sheep due to their excessive fleece). However, mudfever is by no means limited to these breeds and can affect any type of horse. Excessive exposure to moisture is thought to be the main contributer to the onset of the disease, making stable and pasture management a main factor in prevention. There also appears to be individual variation in susceptibility to mudfever, resulting in repeated re-infection of patients whilst others on the same yard remain unaffected.

Treatment is usually on the basis of reducing the exposure to excessive humidity and allowing the skin to heal. However, this can be assisted by clipping of fetlocks and removing excessive scabbing allowing the skin to be exposed to drying conditions. Particular must be taken to prevent clipper damage to the skin.
Healing can be further assisted by application of barrier creams or antimicrobials. Howvever, the effectiveness against this relatively tough micro-organism should not be assumed as fact.

Current research focuses on the testing of herbal treatments of D.congolensis and the development of an effective anti-microbial preventative and treating cream for mudfever in horses.

For more information on D.congolensis and Mudfever goto research