WINTER draws on and with it the familiar problem of mud fever in horses - the scabbing of the lower legs and heels through prolonged standing in muddy fields.

Of course, it can happen in a few cases in summer if an animal is particularly prone and the weather particularly wet. But, more usually, the condition occurs over winter, when the ground around the field gates, where horses gather, is churned into a brown bog.

Modern improvements in turnout rugs mean an increasing number of owners choose to keep their animals outside, more than perhaps may have been the custom in the past when many hunters were stabled, leaving them more susceptible to attack.

Mud fever is a bacterial infection of the horse's skin and occurs mostly around the coronet, heels and pastern, but it can sometimes occur higher on the leg, on the belly or even the neck.

The bacterium dermatophilus congolensis which causes mud fever, loves the damp, muddy weather as it provides the conditions it needs to thrive.

The bacteria penetrates chapped, damaged or softened skin and, added to this, continual wetting of the horse's skin weakens its surface and any resulting abrasions allow the bacteria in. In severe cases, the leg may swell and the horse may become lame. Horses or ponies with heavy feathers on the leg can be particularly prone to mud fever as the hair becomes covered in wet mud and, unable to dry out because of its density, remains damp. Horses with white legs and pink skin are also more prone.

Check your horse for mud fever if he has lumps under the hair on his legs - these are the scabs. He may also be tender in the area and reluctant to let you touch him. Mud fever can develop into a serious infection, so it is worth calling out your vet if you think he has the condition.

Getting air to the area will kill the bacteria so it is better for the scabs on your horse's legs to be removed after you have clipped the hair and cleaned the legs.

But this is best done by softening them, not picking them off, which may be painful for your horse. There are a number of preparations available to soften scabs and allow them to drop off naturally. There are also products designed to soothe soreness and tackle bacteria.

Generally, a horse with mud fever needs to be kept inside in a clean, dry stable. The part of the animal affected by mud fever should then be thoroughly cleaned and dried before you proceed with the treatment.

In severe cases of mud fever where the leg is swollen, antibiotics may be needed.

Once the condition has been treated, the skin may remain tender and applying a smooth cream such as zinc or castor oil can ease this.

Udder cream - the sort that is used for mastitis in cows - is good as a preventative measure once the mud fever has been cured. It is a green vaseline-type cream that is both healing and waterproof and is readily available from agricultural stores

There are also a variety of barrier creams that can be applied to clean legs to protect the skin to help prevent mud fever, as well as wraps and bandages.

It is a good idea to keep exercising your horse as this improves circulation, which in turn helps to reduce puffiness and swelling in the legs.

Once summer appears, the infection will miraculously dry up.

HOW TO PREVENT THE INFECTION

THE best way to prevent your horse succumbing to mud fever is to rotate your grazing so that fields aren't poached - or, tackle mud in gateways by putting down hardcore.

Stable your horse more frequently in wetter conditions, especially if you know he is prone to mud fever.

Try using a pair of boots, or leg wraps, to avoid mud getting into the skin. Use some of the barrier products available to keep mud away from skin.

Avoid hosing mud from your horse's legs because repeated wetting will allow the bacteria to thrive. Instead, allow the mud to dry and then brush it off.