Department of Biological Sciences

"Mud Fever Challenge"
If you have tried it all but can't seem to beat the Mud Fever,
then we would like to hear from you now!

www.lincoln.ac.uk/dbs/researchprojects-participate

Welcome to the University of Lincoln Mud Fever information page.
The purpose of this page is  to inform you of our current ongoing research in this field as well as more background information.
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LATEST UPDATE
Due to the encouraging feedback from the field studies, the barrier cream/powder now been developed into a formal product available through tack shops and farm stores nationwide.
(for more info visit www.lincoln.ac.uk/news/2011/02/340.asp)

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Anti-bacterial Barrier cream

A highly effective barrier cream/powder has been researched by the University of Lincoln, to help protect against environmental contaminants. This may be of particular use to animals susceptible to for example Mud Fever or MRSA infections.

It has been shown to have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties with no known side effects. Some indirect evidence indicates haemostatic and wound healing properties.

The cream is based on the anti-microbial properties of silver bound to an inert carrier. Together they provide an effective barrier against a wide range of micro-organisms as well as support wound healing. No evidence has yet been found of resistance development against the active ingredient.

Just a few of the organisms it has been shown to be effective against:
Dermatophilus congolensis
(Mudfever)
Malassezia pachydermatis
Staphylococcus aureus
(including MRSA)
Pseudomonas aeroginosa

MRSA-inhibition1A ------------ BMRSA-inhibition2
A) Inhibition by wound cream of MRSA (right, bottom) in-vitro, compared to controls (top, left)
B) Inhibition by wound powder of Pseudomonas aeroginosa (left) in-vitro, compared to control (right)

The cream has been designed to be applied to:

  • intact skin
  • any superficial skin infections, minor cuts and abrasions
  • hand or skin as anti-bacterial/fungal barrier cream (e.g. for use in barrier nursing)

A powder version has been designed to be applied to:

  • weeping/wet skin
  • weeping/wet superficial skin infections, minor cuts and abbrasions
  • sites where application of the cream is difficult or impractical

    Eventually these products are intended to be be used by vets, veterinary nurses or pet owners at home.

More formal research results will be published on this site. Having successfully tested the anti-microbial efficacy in-vitro, extension to field studies are now planned.
Currently field studies to test the efficacy of the barrier creams against environmental contaminants are ongoing. Any one interested in participating please go to www.lincoln.ac.uk/dbs/researchprojects-participate for more information.

Results field trial (sample)


Field trial results, using anti-microbial barrier powder and cream on mud fever infections on an equine distal limb. A) pre-application; B) after 1 week of application; C) after 3 weeks of application

More background information

Other studies:

 

 

Department of Biological Sciences

University of Lincoln

Riseholme Park

Riseholme

Lincoln

LN2 2LG

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Tel + 44 (0)1522 882000