Dermatophilus congolensis is a gram positive bacterium and is the etiologic agent of a disease called Dermatophilosis (sometimes called Mud fever) in animals and humans, a dermatologic condition that manifests itself with the formation of crusty scabs that contain the microorganism. Some people erroneously call it mycotic dermatitis. Rainscald is another condition often seen in animals, which is also caused by Dermatophilus congolensis bacteria.