What Causes Rain Rot?
The organism Dermatophilus congolense is responsible for the condition called rain rot. This organism is not a fungus, but it behaves like both bacteria and fungi. This organism is carried on the horse’s skin, and with a weakened immune system, it may then develop into rain rot. Causes that may contribute to rain rot include: • Shared contaminated barns, saddle blankets, leg wraps and brushes. • Extreme moisture (Horses with thick coats tend to suffer). • Damaged skin (by a cut or scrape) allows the organism to enter. • Poor stable management, damp stalls with poor ventilation and.
