Campaigners have welcomed the Government’s return to enforcing the law on ragwort, by reopening its complaints procedure from April.

The Countryside Alliance was among those that raised concerns about the fact Natural England had stopped accepting complaints about ragwort, in September. Natural England is the Government body responsible for enforcing the Weeds Act, under which owners of land at risk of spread of injurious weeds including ragwort can insist on its being controlled – but only after Natural England takes action.

Alliance member Christopher Jenkin, a farmer in Wiltshire, raised the alarm when he was affected by ragwort spreading from a neighbouring field.

South Cotswolds PM Roz Savage submitted a written parliamentary question asking what action was being taken and the Government responded: “Natural England (NE) is dealing with historic weeds complaints but is not currently taking new complaints. This is a temporary measure while NE reviews with Defra the approach to addressing injurious weeds, to improve access to appropriate advice and guidance and ensure enforcement resources are targeted most effectively.”

But Mr Jenkin pointed out that Natural England already had an “off season” for complaints, from October to March, and “it seems difficult to explain why any review of its approach could not have been conducted in that period”.

A Countryside Alliance spokesperson said: “Since then, the alliance has been pushing Defra and Natural England to commit to re-opening its complaints procedure and cease to abdicate its responsibilities in this area.

“While the ‘off season’ remains, the government website has now been updated, and complaints will once again be accepted between 1 April and 30 October 2026. Natural England will aim to respond to valid complaint forms within 10 working days.”

The spokesperson said the alliance will continue to monitor the situation. Director of public affairs James Legge added: “We were deeply concerned at the sudden suspension of the complaints process in September and took action to ensure it was eventually re-opened, providing much needed clarity to farmers and landowners”.

Updated information on the injurious weeds complaints process has been published on the Government website.

“Accessible guidance for complainants and land managers will be made available in advance of April,” a Defra spokesperson told H&H. “Where appropriate action cannot be agreed voluntarily and complaints have been accepted by Natural England, we consider action in line with our enforcement position.”

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Ragwort, the common weed that plagues our paddocks, is high on the agenda of concerns for horse owners. But why is it important and what is the most effective way to remove it? H&H explains...

“Ragwort spreads very easily and because it contains the toxic compounds pyrrolizidine alkaloids, if eaten in any state, it can cause irreversible liver damage,” explains Gemma Stanford, British Horse Society’s (BHS) head of welfare.

“Ragwort poisoning damages the liver, resulting in severe disease and in some cases death.

“While most horses won’t immediately choose to eat ragwort due to it’s bitter taste, some develop a taste for it if nothing else is available. It also loses its unpalatable taste if it’s cut and dried and found in forage, but it doesn’t lose its toxicity.”

If left to grow, ragwort can spread quickly and easily which means keeping on top of its growth is vital. Under the Weeds Act 1959, landowners and occupiers can be ordered to control ragwort on their land to prevent the injurious weed from spreading.

How to spot the young plant

Ragwort’s first year of growth is called the rosette stage and its leaves look irregular with jagged edges.

“Rosette growth can vary greatly and they are often dark green but can also be tinged with purple,” says Emmeline Hannelly, BHS education officer.

“Even at rosette stage, the roots are relatively thick and quite tough.

“Ragwort seedlings appear from autumn to June and are usually spotted when around 10-15mm high, although often they go unnoticed until they reach rosette stage. They have a spade-shaped leaf that is notched at the top.”

Flowers usually appear from June to late October — the plants have large, flat-topped heads of yellow flowers.

“Seeds ripen in July and August and are normally shed from September,” adds Emmeline. “One plant can produce thousands of seeds, which can lie dormant for years. Established plants have a spreading root system which branch and spread quickly too.”

How to safely remove ragwort

Ragwort is biennial (flowers every two years) and its seeds lie dormant in the ground which means removal of the plant is required annually for at least two years to ensure the weed is brought under control. A combination of methods may be required to fully remove it, and it is vital that dead ragwort is cleared from the field as it becomes more palatable, but is still as toxic.

“We always advise wearing gloves when handling ragwort due to its toxicity,” says Gemma.

“A herbicide is one option of removing ragwort and should be used at the rosette stage in spring, but horses need to be removed from the pasture being sprayed. Only approved products should be used (a list can be found at www.pesticides.gov.uk), and some products require a qualified specialist to carry out the application.

“Herbicides should only be used on mild, calm days ensuring the vegetation is dry, and horses shouldn’t return to the pasture until the ragwort is fully disintegrated, which can take a few weeks.”

Biologist Dr Peter Lutman has also encouraged owners to act prior to the plant flowering, calling for them to remove it from their land by the end of April: “People wait until the ragwort flowers and then panic as it springs up everywhere. It’s much better to treat it in the spring before it starts growing.”

Other considerations include improving the pasture — ragwort thrives on poor quality pasture so improving the grass growth will make it harder for it to grow.

Hand-pulling before the plant has flowered is another option for smaller parcels of land, but you must ensure the whole of the root is removed, as any fragments left will result in the ragwort regrowing. Pulling when the soil is damp makes the job easier and more efficient.

How to dispose of ragwort

As ragwort is able to seed, even after removal from the ground, it should be placed in an enclosed container or secure bag — paper feed bags are best as they can be burnt.

“An important part of ragwort control is the safe and effective disposal of the plant to help reduce the risk of further spread,” explains Gemma. “The amount of ragwort to be disposed of, the facilities available on-site and local resources available will affect your disposal options.”

There are three main options for disposing of ragwort safely: controlled burning in small quantities and a safe location away from buildings and animals; rotting in a secure compost bin or similar with a lid; and using a waste-management company who will remove the ragwort for you.

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A mare who was rescued emaciated, wounded and petrified of people survived long enough to see her foal through for weaning, and enjoy a happy last few months.

Bronwen, who was rescued with her filly Seren by the Horse Trust last year, had to be put down owing to liver failure, caused by ragwort poisoning. The charity said she must have eaten the toxic plant before her arrival, when she was “abandoned and scrabbling for enough to eat to keep herself and her baby alive”.

A spokesman for the trust said 10hh Bronwen was rescued from the streets of Swansea last summer.

“When she came to us she was in an absolutely appalling state,” he said. “She was so deathly thin she only had a body condition score of one out of five.

“She appeared to have old hobbling wounds on her legs as well as carrying a very heavy worm burden. Most noticeably, however, her skin was in just horrific condition. Both skin and hair was missing in some places and was quite literally hanging off her body in others.

“The damage was so bad she was not allowed out in direct sunlight until her skin had repaired itself. She gave all the energy she had to nurse her months-old foal, which just shows what a dedicated mother she was.”

Bronwen and Seren were monitored round the clock until both were putting on weight safely and recovering.

“Even after her years of neglect and abuse, Bronwen was a complete joy to work with,” the spokesman said. “She was absolutely petrified of people when she first arrived with us, but our behavioural team were so patient with her while they worked to build up her confidence.”

Bronwen developed a strong bond with her lead behaviourist Esther, to the point where she would approach her in the field. Esther had to support the mare to have her feet picked out, as her lack of muscle meant she struggled to stand on three legs.

The mare learned basic commands and to wear a headcollar, after which she was unstoppable, the spokesman said, adding: “She used to march around the field like she was always on a mission, probably to find the treats! The team used scratches as a reward-based mechanism during their training with her, and Bronwen enjoyed them so much she would regularly sidle up to her handlers for some extra love.

“Whilst she was quiet and gentle with her handlers, she was quite the boss lady with other horses and would regularly pull faces to tell off the bigger military and police boys if they bothered her from over the fence – nobody was telling Bronwen she was just a little Welsh pony! Although she was always very excited about food, after she finished her breakfast, she would often go back to the gate and wait to be let back into her field — she was very good at knowing her routine, and such a polite lady.”

Bronwen was seen this month by the Horse Trust vet as she had lost some weight. Blood tests showed she had liver failure, and treatment was started but within days, she was showing neurological signs, common in liver disease, and “the kindest thing we could do was let her go”.

“After obtaining the [liver] biopsy results it was determined that the liver failure was due to ragwort poisoning,” the spokesman said. “Bronwen must have ingested the ragwort prior to arriving at the Horse Trust, as she was abandoned and scrabbling for enough to eat to keep herself and her baby alive. Ragwort poisoning usually takes six to 12 months to cause enough damage to the liver to see clinical signs.”

Seren will also be blood-tested to ensure there are no signs of liver disease, although this is very unlikely.

Horse Trust CEO Jeanette Allen said: “We are immeasurably sad to lose Bronwen, having got to know the incredibly sweet pony she was, young and full of promise.

“It’s a tragedy that having been abandoned with a young foal caused her to ingest probably a variety of toxic plants to survive and to allow her to feed little Seren. Whilst the effects of this on her skin were horrific when she arrived, we managed to pull her through so it feels extra cruel to lose her to the longer-term effects of what was most likely ragwort poisoning.

“The only silver lining in this sad story is that she lived a happy, healthy and loved life since she came to us, and made it through to safely weaning Seren. A true mum and a sweetheart, a hugely sad death ultimately as a result of the actions of inhumane treatment at the hands of those who should have cared for her.”

Continues below…

Heartbroken owner’s awareness campaign after horse dies from ragwort poisoning

The two-year-old had been with his owners for just four months when he died

Mare’s skin was peeling from her body when she was rescued with foal

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Seren has been paired up with a new friend, Phoenix.

“They have already formed a really close bond and Seren is nudging her like she used to her mum Bronwen,” the spokesman said.

“Due to the love, care and dedication of the Horse Trust’s team, Bronwen was completely transformed from the listless, malnourished and poorly pony who arrived with us last June, right at the heart of the pandemic.

“We all have such fond memories of our brave little soldier that we will treasure for ever. A one-of-a-kind golden girl with a heart bigger than we have ever known. You will be missed more than we can put into words.”

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While many plants can be poisonous to horses if eaten to excess, there are some poisonous plants for horses that should be avoided at all costs.

In the UK, the most common form of poisoning is caused by the ingestion of ragwort over a period of time, but there are other plants which can cause severe problems — including death — if horses consume them.

Poisoning can take many forms in a horse, from ill thrift and photosensitisation to disease or disruption of the function of key body systems. There are seven different broad types of poison — alkaloids (as found in ragwort, yew, hemlock), glycosides, nitrates, photosensitisers, saponins and complex proteins. Within each category are many different active compounds.

Horses are most likely to consume poisonous plants if they have nothing else to eat as a result of a combination of poor grazing with a heavy infestation of such plants, or due to their undetected presence in hay or haylage.

Here is our guide to the fatal flora you need to know about to avoid a very sad and avoidable untimely end for your equine partner.

Poisonous plants for horses

1. Ragwort

Instantly recognisable from its frilly leaves and star-shaped yellow flowers, the deadly ragwort plant is common in British meadows. Once eaten, it attacks the horse’s liver. Horses will normally avoid eating ragwort because of the bitter taste, but it is palatable when dried and fed in hay. Under DEFRA regulations, landowners can be penalised for allowing ragwort to spread to grazing land, but horse owners should always remain vigilant and frequently check their hay.

Signs to look out for: One early sign of ragwort poisoning is weight loss, despite the horse eating normally. If detected in time, the effects can be treated with steroids; if not, the horse may go blind and eventually collapse.

What to do: Check your horse’s paddock regularly for ragwort, and dig it up at the roots and burn it when found. It is recommended to wear gloves when handling the plant. Use a reputable and trusted hay supplier.

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2. Sycamore

Historically, sycamores were not thought to be harmful to equines, but recently the often-fatal muscle condition Atypical Myopathy (AM) has become much more common in Britain. Triggered by the ingestion of sycamore seeds (also known as helicopter seeds), leaves and seedlings, AM is a fast killer with a mortality rate of between 75 and 90%. There’s no specific treatment for the condition, with affected horses given intensive veterinary care and IV fluids.

Signs to look out for: Lethargy, sweating, muscular stiffness, high heart rate, dark urine and difficulty standing. Affected horses are often found lying down.

What to do: The condition is more common in autumn, when the seeds and leaves are blown from the trees. Remove them along with any sycamore seedlings that appear in spring. Fence off sycamore trees from paddocks and ensure horses have access to sufficient supplementary feed to minimise the risk of foraging for alternative foods.

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3. Oak trees including acorns

Although some wild animals depend on acorns for their nutritional needs, the horse is not one of them. The tannic and gallic acids in acorns can cause severe damage to the equine gastrointestinal system and kidneys. It’s not just the acorns either – all parts of the oak are toxic to horses. Strangely, there’s anecdotal evidence that some horses get ‘addicted’ to acorns and will over-indulge in them to the point of making themselves ill.

Signs to look out for: Constipation, weight loss, colic, blood in the urine and fluid accumulation in the legs (edema) may indicate oak poisoning, but specific diagnosis can be difficult unless your horse has a history of consuming acorns.

What to do: Avoid grazing your horse in fields containing oak trees, or fence off the trees, particularly during autumn when the acorns fall. Activated charcoal (which absorbs toxins from the gut and allows them to be harmlessly excreted) is known to be an effective treatment if given immediately after ingestion; however, always seek the advice of your vet first.

4. Yew

The leaves, twigs and bark of the Yew tree are all toxic to horses and the lethal dose can be extremely small. The plant’s toxic alkaloids (taxine A and B) are extremely fast acting and horses have been found dead with the leaves of the tree still in their mouths. It is one of the most common causes of equine poisoning in France and Belgium. Luckily the bitter taste of the plant will put most horses off having a chew, but it’s not a plant to take risks with.

Signs to look out for: The horse dies from cardiac arrest. Prior to this muscle trembling, a lack of co-ordination, breathing difficulties, a slow heart rate and convulsions may be seen.

What to do: There is no treatment. Never graze horses in a field where they will have access to yew or where there is a risk that yew clippings might be tossed into their paddock. If neighbours have yew in their gardens, speak to them to explain the dangers.

5. Bracken

Found on moors and in meadows, horses will usually avoid eating bracken ferns unless grazing is particularly poor – although some do develop a taste for it. The good news is that it’s only harmful if digested in large quantities, such as ongoing consumption over a couple of months.

Signs to look out for: Bracken poisoning results in neurological (nervous system) symptoms that may include nervousness, circling, staggering, muscle spasms, blindness and convulsions. It can be treated with thiamine supplementation prescribed by a vet if caught early enough.

What to do: Horses usually avoid bracken, but if concerned, remove it from your horse’s field. Maintain good pasture management, regularly removing weeds to allow grass to grow, so your horse has no reason to consume it.

Other plants that are poisonous to horses include:

• Foxglove
• Deadly nightshade
• Buttercups
• Privet
• Rhododendron
• St John’s Wort
• Potatoes
• Meadow Saffron
• Horsetails/ Mare’s Tails
• Water Dropwort
• Hemlock

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Easy to identify due to its bright yellow flowers, ragwort, also known as Senecio jacobea, is a common weed that plagues paddocks throughout Britain.

Ragwort is dangerous to horses because it contains the toxic compounds pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are poisonous and damage the liver when eaten.

The toxic effect builds up over time, causing irreversible damage and in some cases death. Your horse will get just as ill from eating small amounts of ragwort over a long period of time as it would do from eating a large quantity in one go.

“While most horses won’t immediately choose to eat ragwort due to it’s bitter taste, some develop a taste for it if nothing else is available,” explains Gemma Stanford, the British Horse Society’s (BHS) director of welfare. “It also loses its unpalatable taste if it’s cut and dried and found in forage, but it’s still toxic.”

Keeping ragwort under control

If left to grow, ragwort can spread quickly and easily which means keeping on top of its growth is vital.

The plant is biennial (flowers every two years) and its seeds lie dormant in the ground which means removal of the plant is required annually for at least two years until the weed is brought under control. A combination of methods is often necessary to fully remove it.

“A herbicide is one option of removing ragwort and should be used at the rosette stage in spring, but horses need to be removed from the pasture being sprayed, and only approved products should be used (a list can be found at pesticides.gov.uk) as some products require a qualified specialist to apply them,” explains Gemma. “We always advise wearing gloves when handling ragwort due to is toxicity.”

Other options include improving the pasture — ragwort thrives on poor quality pasture so improving the grass growth will make it harder for it to grow.

Pulling the plant by hand before it has flowered is another option for smaller parcels of land, but you must ensure every part of the root is removed — any fragments left will enable it to re-grow. Pulling when the soil is damp makes the job easier and more efficient.

How to dispose of ragwort safely

A flowering ragwort plant can still go to seed after being pulled, so it should be placed in an enclosed container or bag — paper feed bags are ideal as they can be burnt.

“An important part of control is the safe and effective disposal of the plant to help reduce the risk of further spread,” Gemma advises. “The amount of ragwort to be disposed of, the facilities available on-site and local resources available will affect your disposal options.”

There are three main options for disposal: controlled burning in small quantities and a safe location away from buildings and animals; rotting in a secure compost bin or similar with a lid; and using a waste-management company who will remove the ragwort for you.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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The owner of a horse found “staggering around” his field blinded by ragwort poisoning has been jailed for 12 weeks after ignoring council warnings about the plant.

Ronald Wheeler, 43, of Thomas Lane, Liverpool appeared in Liverpool Magistrates Court for sentencing on 2 August after pleading guilty to three charges under the Animal Welfare Act at an earlier hearing on 13 June.

The RSPCA attended a field at Lower Lane, Fazarkerley, Liverpool on 6 August 2018 after receiving calls from concerned members of public about a dark bay cob called Oscar.

A spokesman for the charity said when the inspector, Joanne MacDonald, arrived at the field with a vet the horse was staggering around and collapsing. He was described by the vet as having a body score of two and was found to have a “significant” worm burden.

“They realised he was blind, was struggling to stand and was unable to swallow,” said the spokesman.

“The vet decided Oscar needed to be put to sleep to end his suffering and a subsequent post mortem confirmed he had been poisoned by ragwort after being exposed to it for many weeks or even months.”

The court heard the council had written to Wheeler on 15 June 2018 about removing the ragwort, which had grown to three feet tall in some places.

Inspector MacDonald said: “It was an awful case to deal with as poor Oscar was clearly suffering. He was collapsing and the ragwort had caused his blindness, which meant he was walking into things and was clearly in a distressed state.

“To make matters worse Wheeler had been told previously to remove the ragwort by the council but had failed to do this. Responsible horse owners should know ragwort is damaging to the horse’s liver when eaten. The toxic effect builds up over time, causing irreparable damage.”

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In mitigation Wheeler cited personal problems meant he failed to keep on top of the ragwort.

Wheeler was banned from keeping equines for 10 years. He was ordered to pay £786 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.

He has appealed the sentence and is due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court on Thursday (15 August).

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A gelding with a body score of two, who had to be put down on welfare grounds, was found to be suffering with ragwort poisoning.

Ronald Wheeler, 43, of Thomas Lane, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to three charges under the Animal Welfare Act when he appeared at Liverpool Magistrates Court on 13 June.

The RSPCA attended a field at Lower Lane, Fazarkerley, Liverpool, in August 2018 after receiving calls from concerned members of public about a bay cob called Oscar.

A vet report estimated that Oscar had been exposed to ragwort for “weeks to months” and described the gelding as having a body score of two out of nine. He was also found to have a significant worm burden. A decision was made by vets to put Oscar down on welfare grounds. A post-mortem examination found results consistent with ragwort toxicity.

Wheeler pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the gelding by failing to investigate and address the cause of Oscar’s poor bodily condition and weight loss, and failed to provide parasite control. The third charge related to accommodating Oscar in an environment where he had ready access to ragwort resulting in ragwort poisoning.

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RSPCA inspector McDonald said: “This was a really sad case in which a beautiful horse suffered needlessly. Ragwort is potentially really dangerous for horses if they eat it, but by simply taking the time to maintain paddocks regularly, situations like this can be easily avoided.”

Wheeler will appear in court at a later date for sentencing.

Don’t miss our bumper 135th birthday issue, out on Thursday 20 June, including top stars sharing their fondest memories together, we talk to those involved in our most iconic moments and much more. Read our full report from Bolesworth International, and check out our feature on riders’ quirky superstitions. Plus read our news story on ragwort as experts fight back over ragwort “hysteria” claims.

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The owner of a two-year-old cob who died of liver failure thought to be caused by eating ragwort is campaigning to raise awareness of the “silent assassin”.

Dave Offen and his family had owned Duke just four months when he was put to sleep last Wednesday (17 October).

Dave said he is “religious” about clearing and disposing of ragwort, but as its effects can be hidden for months, Dave believes Duke must have eaten the plant before he came to the family.

“We saw a post on Facebook saying this cob needed rehoming as he’d been dumped,” he told H&H. “So my other half raced off to get him straight away.

“He fitted in so well with our herd, and we’d all totally fallen in love with him.”

Dave said Duke’s condition had “come on leaps and bounds” from the emaciated state in which he had arrived, but last Saturday (13 October) he was not himself.

“He was acting a bit funny; taking himself away from the herd and into his stable, pushing his head against the wall, not eating much – so we got the vet,” Dave said.

“He could hear gut sounds but as Duke was showing colic-type signs, he gave him bute and buscopan, and Duke had perked up within 10 minutes.”

But Duke’s condition worsened, and blood tests showed he had liver failure, so the only option was to put him down.

“We spent the whole day with him and it was a lovely day,” Dave said. “But as our daughter said, we didn’t want him to suffer any longer, so the vet came and put him to sleep that night.

“The vet was pretty certain it was ragwort,” he said. “There was nothing we could have done, as once the damage is done, it’s done.”

Dave shared Duke’s story on social media to try to raise more awareness of ragwort.

“You see horses when you’re out, in fields with lot of ragwort and it’s sickening,” he said.

“On the Facebook post, lots of people were asking what ragwort is, and what it looks like; it’s concerning when you see horse owners asking that.”

Dave wants also to raise awareness of the correct ways to remove ragwort to minimise the chance of its returning, directing others to the British Horse Society’s online advice.

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Q&A: Ragwort poisoning

The after-effects of ragwort poisoning can be treated using homeopathic remedies says HORSE magazine's homeopathic vet Nick Thompson

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He also plans to create a campaign website in Duke’s memory, and possibly make and distribute flyers warning of ragwort’s effects, to be shared by the public.

“I’ve had messages from people saying thank you, that they didn’t know but have now gone and cleared ragwort away so that’s great,” he said.

“On Duke’s last day, he was too weak to walk to the water butts, but he had one of the other boys on each side, propping him up so he could get there. It was lovely, but heartbreaking.

“We just want his death not to have been in vain, for him to leave a legacy, and if it saves one horse from this silent assassin, great, but we want to save as many as possible.

“It would be a fitting legacy to the lovely little fella he was.”

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A leading welfare charity is urging owners to take action on ragwort after a mare was brought into its care with severe liver damage.

Dolly was found by a World Horse Welfare field officer in Dorset in March 2017 with a foal at foot.

The mare was weak and struggling to survive while caring for her foal, named Rocket by staff at the charity.

“When Dolly first arrived she was very thin, with all her ribs and vertebrae clearly visible,” said Glenda Spooner Farm supervisor Grace Vooght.

“When new horses come into our care they are always examined by our vet and routine blood tests are undertaken to ensure they are not suffering any underlying problems.

“When Dolly’s results came back it became apparent she was suffering from severe liver damage which could have been caused by a number of poisons.

“One of the most common causes of liver damage that we see is ragwort poisoning, but without knowing her background, it was difficult to determine what had caused Dolly to be in such a terrible condition.

“The first step was to wean Rocket on to eating more independently so he was less reliant on Dolly’s milk, which worked well as he was quite a greedy foal.

“This allowed Dolly to put what little energy she had into repairing her damaged liver.”

Ms Vooght added that Dolly’s condition did not seem to be improving, with blood tests showing little progress in her liver’s healing.

“We continued to monitor Dolly and provide her with all the nutrition she needed so she could bring up her young foal and it was very much touch and go as to whether she would survive,” she said.

“After a few months of dedicated care and attention, Dolly miraculously began to recover and her liver finally started to function properly, which amazed us all.

“Both ponies are now living out in their herds and have undertaken their handling training as well as learning to go into a trailer – all in preparation for them to find loving new homes on our rehoming scheme.”

Article continues below…

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The best ways to safely deal with ragwort

World Horse Welfare’s chief field officer Claire Gordon is urging owners to remove the toxic plant from horses’ fields.

“It’s vital that your horse doesn’t eat ragwort, and you can’t assume they will choose not to eat it,” said Ms Gordon.

“Spraying in April and early May while the plant is growing is the most effective way to eradicate it from your pasture, but you must be able to rest the field after spraying.

“For those without access to additional grazing, pulling the whole plant up — including the roots — is the next best option.

“It’s best to do this at the seedling or rosette stage, before the plant flowers and while the ground is still soft — so the sooner you act, the better.

“Seeds can remain in the ground for 15 years before germination, so even if you’ve removed ragwort in previous years, it’s important to do it again every year.”

Click here for more information on how to control ragwort

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A mother and son have received a lifetime ban from keeping equines after two horses they owned died of suspected ragwort poisoning.

Katrina and Liam Till of Deykin Road, Lichfield appeared before Stafford Magistrates for sentencing on Thursday (3 December).

Both had both been found guilty of offences relating to Animal Welfare Act, on 24 November, which included failure to explore and address the horses’ poor body condition, failure to provide adequate diet, failure to provide sufficient worm and lice control, and failure to provide adequate foot care.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary assisted the RSPCA with the rescue of the horses on two separate occasions. On 3 October 2014 a two-year-old 13hh piebald cob called Bella (pictured, top) was removed from a field in Staffordshire. On 19 December 2014 a 20-year-old 14hh palomino cob cross called Holly was seized.

Both mares were seized on veterinary grounds having been discovered in very poor condition. Bella was body condition score 1 and Holly 0.5. Both had foals at foot.

Liam Till was disqualified from keeping equines for life and received a suspended prison sentence, community order for 18 months and £750 costs.

Katrina Till was also disqualified from keeping equines for life and received a community order for 18 months, plus £750 costs. Both received a confiscation order regarding the two foals.

Bella initially showed signs of improvement while in the care of the Redwings Oxhill team being bright and alert, eating well. However, within three months of her rescue she began to lose her appetite and struggled to maintain her weight.

Bella and her foal were then moved to the Sanctuary’s veterinary hospital for a liver biopsy and blood tests, which confirmed serious liver disease.

Bella’s liver was so damaged that she was put down in February 2015. Bella left behind her foal “Arabella”, who was named by the Redwings team in memory of her mother.

Holly initially arrived at Redwings Oxhill as a severely underweight and unhandled mare, displaying wild, frightened behaviours. Holly and her foal were taken to Redwings’ quarantine centre in Norfolk.

As well as being incredibly malnourished, Holly was suffering from worms, lice and a lack of dental care.

However, similarly to Bella, Holly was also found to have liver disease. She was put down in March.

“When I found Bella and her foal they were in such a bad way,” said RSPCA inspector Kate Levesley.

“Bella was emaciated and was unable to provide any milk for little Arabella. It was a relief when police removed them and placed them into the care of Redwings. Then, it was shocking to find Holly and her foal Savannah in an equally bad way just two months later, and so thankfully again, police were able to remove them and place them at Redwings. This ban means that these two people will not be able to neglect horses again.”

Redwings’ Nicolas de Brauwere said the charity was pleased to hear the outcome.

“But as with so many welfare cases we see, this should not have happened to these mares in the first place,” he added.

“We believe their liver disease was as a result of ragwort poisoning; as they were not provided with suitable grazing or an adequate diet, it is most likely they would have consumed ragwort in their field.

“Holly’s foal Savannah (pictured, below) initially displayed similar symptoms of liver compromise as shown by her mother and Bella, but as this has been caught early we’re very hopeful for her future.

“It’s very upsetting that in both cases Bella and Holly responded well in the early days after their rescue — having been given the basic care and nourishment they were so desperately lacking from their owners — but then went downhill so rapidly. Their case is extremely upsetting, but we take some comfort in that justice has been served for the mares – and for their foals.”

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A mare in foal with severe ragwort poisoning been taken in by the Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society.

Lois and her yearling, Mitch, were reported to the charity by a member of the public from Aveley, Essex, last month.

The mare and yearling were turned out in a large area by the M25 junction with Aveley on the A13. They were able to get onto the road from there.

She had ragwort poisioning so severe that it had led to serious photosensitivity, meaning she burnt badly in the sun.

“Bald areas of her skin were badly inflamed and the skin was peeling off,” said a spokesman for the organisation. “She was in a sorry state and her skin had turned hard and leathery where she had lost her hair.

“Our vets diagnosed photosensitivity and the condition is drastically improving with the proper care and treatment.

“Lois had a yearling colt at foot and is also in foal — the birth being imminent.

“Lois has lost 70% of her liver function and our vets are surprised she is still alive.”

The mare is “still not out of the woods” but her skin condition is improving.

“In the meantime, she wears a UV mask and rug when out and has medication to help her skin heal,” added the spokesman.

Mitch has been gelded by the charity’s vets and is now in a paddock with other geldings of his own age.

“Our policy is not to put horses on loan until they are at least four years old,” added the spokesman. “Mitch will learn how to play and integrate with a herd over the next couple of years and when he is physically and mentally ready, we shall start the backing process in readiness of finding him a suitable loan home. He still has some years to go yet.

“If Lois survives her ordeal, we shall eventually look to place her in a suitable foster home but that will not be until her foal is weaned and off hand and she is ready.”

Owners are warned to be aware of the dangers of ragwort, as Lois is the second mare in a month to suffer from photosensitivity due to liver damage caused by the poisonous plant.

The other mare was found on 4 June with a group of other horses in Maidstone, Kent, and was rescued by the RSPCA.

The owners have not been traced. She is estimated to be around three years old and her condition was so severe she needed removing from the sun immediately.

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A horse found with ragwort poisoning so severe her was skin peeling off has been rescued by the RSPCA.

The charity is now appealing for more information about the animal.

The piebald mare was found in a field near Vicarage Road, Yalding, Maidstone, Kent. She was seized by police and placed into RSPCA care last Thursday (4 June).

The mare, who vets estimate to be around three years old, was found with a group of other horses. The charity have so far been unable to trace the owners of the animals.

She was suffering from severe ragwort poisoning and liver damage, which had led to photosensitivity to the sun.

Her condition was so bad that a vet said she had to be removed from the sun immediately. The mare has since been named Becky and remains in care.

“I have never seen a case so bad,” said RSPCA inspector Rosie Russon.

“Poor Becky’s skin was peeling off, it was awful. Her nose was cracked and incredibly sore with pus seeping out of it, and all the white patches on her legs and body were peeling, and hard like leather. She must have been in such pain.

“Because of her ragwort poisoning she had developed an extreme photosensitivity to sunlight and we needed to make sure she was taken into the shade immediately.

“We would be keen to hear from anybody with any information at all about poor Becky and who might own her. In particular, information about any vehicles seen in the area would be useful.

Becky is now in private boarding and the RSPCA said she is “doing well”.

“She is being kept in a stable so is not in sunlight, and has had a lot of tests and treatment to make sure she recovers,” added inspector Russon.

Anyone with any information should call the RSPCA on: 0300 123 8018.

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Are there more dangers lurking in pasture and hay than we realise? Peter Green MRCVS reviews the latest in veterinary research

Ragwort is widely recognised as a serious threat to horses, yet it is not the only danger in pasture and hay.

A recent article by two Italian scientists took another look at the plants that have been proven to cause poisoning in horses across Europe. There are some surprises to those of us who worry about ragwort and little else.

In France and Belgium, for instance, it is not ragwort but yew (Taxus baccata) that poisons most horses. The leaves, twigs and bark are all toxic, and for a pony, the lethal dose may be as little as 200g.

Yew is also common in the UK and we are all aware that it is poisonous, but yew poisoning seems either rarely to occur or is perhaps not often recognised.

In France, the second most widely reported plant poison for horses is the white cedar tree (Thuja occidentalis), a common ornamental tree in the UK and often confused with the ubiquitous Lawson’s cypress which it resembles. It seems that in France there are confirmed cases of horses poisoned when white cedar trees are blown down in storms, or when horses have access to cut branches or prunings.

Another non-native but very widespread poisonous tree is the black locust or false acacia tree (Robinia pseudoacacia), which, the Italian scientists point out, is more poisonous to horses than to other grazing animals and for some reason seems even more dangerous to ponies than to larger equines. We have many of these trees in the UK.

The real surprise in the list of villains lurking in the grass was the inclusion of hound’s tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) on the most poisonous plant danger list. This common meadow plant is very widespread across Europe, including the UK, and most amateur botanists or country folk would recognise it.

Evidently, it contains the same sort of poisonous chemicals as ragwort and, like ragwort, it is a particular problem when it becomes tasteless in hay.

Those ancient permanent pastures, resplendent with wild flowers, herbs and all sorts may not, after all, be the best meadows from which to harvest your hay.

Ref: 23 April 2015

Nearly 100% of horse owners believe that more action is needed to improve the enforcement of ragwort control regulations.

So says a survey conducted by the British Horse Society (BHS) about the poisonous — and often fatal if ingested — plant, ragwort.

The survey ran from 22 July-15 August and had 13,963 respondents, of whom 97-99% said that greater awareness is needed, more action should be taken and that local councils’ monitoring of the plant needs to be beefed up.

Around 20% of horse owners knew of horses that had been suspected or confirmed as having been harmed by ragwort, and 93% of people said that they take preventative measures to reduce the risk posed by the plant.

A massive 84% reported having seen ragwort on land that is used by horses in the seven days prior to completing the survey.

“There are so many areas of conflicting rules,” wrote one respondent. “Lots of horse owners have landlords not willing to help with the control of ragwort. We are all responsible for pulling and regularly spraying it.”

Another said: “Highways need to step up as it is terrible next to motorways. A visit to the New Forest, where there is a distinct lack of ragwort, shows us control is possible.”

“Having lost a horse from ragwort poisoning over 30 years ago, I have watched both landowners and horse owners seem to ignore the dangers,” added another owner.

“Landowners ought to be made more liable for clearing it, but public bodies ought to take their responsibility seriously, particularly highways and local authorities.”

In response to the results, the BHS, with Defra’s input, will be producing a toolkit for local equine groups to give people clear and targeted advice on dealing with the plant.

The BHS is also calling for local authorities, landowners and local equine groups to set up local “ragwort action partnerships” to tackle the issue in order to help raise awareness and aid horses’ wellbeing.

“Our survey enabled us to better understand the extent of the problem that ragwort causes, and has informed our actions going forward,” said Lee Hackett of the BHS.

“Introducing a toolkit and local ragwort action partnerships will be important in raising awareness of the best practice and effective mechanisms for controlling ragwort on their own land and respective legal responsibilities, as well as improving communication between the individuals and organisations who are affected by ragwort and involved in controlling the spread of the weed.”

Ref: H&H 27 November 2014

 Read related news stories from H&H

New ragwort research project launched

Online survey hosted by the BHS urges horse owners to have their say in the fight against the poisonous weed

Man banned for failing to remove ragwort

A man has been banned from keeping horses for 10 years after his mare was put down after suffering from

Britain’s ragwort is worse than ever this year

This year's wet weather has helped ragwort thrive. But why are so many landowners guilty of letting the toxic weed

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Owners are being urged to share information on the impact of ragwort on their horses as part of a major new research project launched this week (21 July) by the British Horse Society (BHS).

The new survey, which is being supported by Defra, aims to assess the current levels of awareness and concern about the highly poisonous weed that causes extensive liver damage and, in some cases, death.

Lee Hackett from the BHS said: “We know that ragwort is an issue that greatly concerns our members, and indeed all responsible owners, so we are delighted to be working with Defra on this research project.

“Ragwort kills horses every year and there is absolutely no excuse for this — such deaths are completely avoidable. We need everyone who cares about horses to complete our survey so that we can better understand the extent of the problem.The results will also help inform legislation and other measures surrounding ragwort.”

H&H reader Dawn Pattenson, whose horse was put down from liver poisoning after being allowed to graze on the weed while on loan, has welcomed this step.

“It is an absolutely devastating experience to witness a horse poisoned by ragwort,” she told H&H. “I hope with more information it might be possible to bring in stricter regulations on controlling ragwort and harsher punishments for people who allow horses to eat it.”

The online survey is open until 15 August. To complete the survey, visit www.bhs.org.uk/ragwort

First published in Horse & Hound magazine on 24 July 2014

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It’s rare for horses to eat toxic vegetation, but the ingestion of certain plants, seeds and leaves can prove potentially catastrophic for horse health. Keith Chandler MRCVS explains

While ragwort has long been regarded as an equine enemy, the fruit and seeds of some common British trees, such as the sycamore, have recently reminded us of their deadly potential as a poisonous plant for horses.

In general, horses will avoid plants that are likely to cause illness. But if hungry or on bare pastures, they are more likely to eat harmful vegetation.

Plants that have toxic effects fall into 2 groups — those that cause minor irritation or illness, which is easily treatable, and those that can bring about serious illness or fatality.

It isn’t always easy to pinpoint the cause of the toxicity, so we have to treat the horse for the clinical disease he is showing. This is partly because the toxins are often rapidly metabolised and are no longer detectable. In other cases, the disease can occur long after exposure occurred.

What’s your poison?

Common dangers include:

Yew. Often found in ornamental gardens or churchyards, yew trees are renowned for living for many hundreds of years. The leaves and bark are highly poisonous to animals, even when wilted or dried up. Horses appear to be most sensitive to their toxic effects.

Because these effects are so rapid, there are sometimes no signs of disease other than sudden death. Affected horses develop a high heart rate, however, along with muscle tremors and convulsions, before collapsing with heart failure.

Care should be taken when horses are grazed adjacent to old churchyards if yew is present. If in any doubt, fence off a gap between the churchyard wall and the pasture in order to prevent accidental ingestion.

Bog Asphodel and St John’s Wort. These plants can be found growing wild in many pastures and cause a skin disease called photosensitisation if ingested. This results in what can look like severe sunburn on the white areas of the face and occasionally on the limbs and body.

The skin becomes very sore, inflamed and scabby, can ooze serum and even start to bleed. Affected areas, particularly those on the limbs, can become swollen.

Because photosensitisation can also be caused by liver disease, a liver screen is often recommended to rule this out.

Photosensitisation is usually treated successfully with a combination of oral and topical corticosteroids.

The horse should be removed from the offending grazing and direct sunlight until the condition settles.

Buttercups. Horses will eat buttercups, despite their bitter taste, particularly if there is little else on the pasture. Buttercups contain a powerful irritant that can cause mouth ulcers and increased salivation. The ulcers are usually found just inside the lips or along the rim of the tongue.

While a horse might resent examination, particularly if his mouth is sore, the ulcers are usually easy to spot and heal quickly. Treatment is not necessary, other than to remove the horse from the pasture for a short while.

Acorns. Last year was a so-called “mast year”, when woodland trees such as the oak produced a bumper crop of fruit. Although climatic conditions are often blamed, it is not fully understood why these random mast years happen. Press reports highlighted the increase in the number of acorns on the ground and the multiple deaths of feral New Forest ponies.

Acorns are highly toxic to horses. Once ingested, they can cause colic, diarrhoea and even kidney failure.

These types of poisonings can occur as outbreaks, affecting many numbers of horses grazing the same pasture. A post-mortem examination of a fatality is often the best way of confirming a diagnosis. However, the time of year, access to oak trees and the symptoms — particularly if there are partly digested acorns in the dung — provide a strong suspicion of the cause.

Ragwort. This well-known toxic plant can cause fatal liver disease, although a one-off exposure to a small amount is unlikely to have any significant effect.

Being able to define the exact cause of liver disease is a veterinary challenge. Even on post-mortem examination, pathologists are often at a loss to explain exactly why liver failure occurred.

What we do know is that horses have to eat substantial quantities of ragwort to become ill and are most likely to do this by ingesting small amounts in forage over time. While the toxin within ragwort does not build up in the body, its effect is cumulative and the liver fails in its normal capacity to heal itself.

The safest route is not to allow your horse any exposure to ragwort. The plant is also poisonous to humans and its toxin can be absorbed through the skin, so wear gloves when pulling it from the ground.

Sycamore. The Equine Veterinary Journal has recently published work on toxins found in Acer trees, which include sycamores. This is now recognised as the likely cause of atypical myopathy (AM) — a serious and often fatal disease.

The toxin, hypoglycin A, is not always present in every seed, or in seeds from every tree. This makes it difficult to predict whether a particular horse will become ill when exposed.

AM usually affects young horses and those in poorer body condition, causing widespread muscle destruction and pain that leads to collapse and kidney failure in many cases.

Managing affected horses can be very challenging. We only expect around a quarter to survive, even with intensive treatment and the best veterinary care.

Preventative measures include fencing off areas where sycamore seeds fall and providing hard feed and hay when pasture is bare. Always avoid feeding hay from the ground near sycamores and reduce access to affected pasture when grazing is poor or during the critical autumn and spring.

Emergency treatment

Horses, unlike humans, cannot vomit. When we know that a horse has very recently eaten a toxic substance, we use a combination of intestinal adsorbents and lavage — removal of the stomach contents with copious amounts of water and a stomach tube.

Intestinal adsorbents such as psyllium husks or activated charcoal can help prevent the body digest and absorb the toxins.

Once the toxic effects start to cause some signs of disease, we work hard to stabilise the horse with a combination of symptomatic therapy (to relieve the signs) and treatment for the toxic effects, where possible. Many horses need to be hospitalised for the best chance of recovery, so they can receive intravenous fluids through a drip and regular monitoring the night.

‘His field was surrounded by sycamore trees’

When Matt Legg found his 21-year-old gelding Freckles in distress, he suspected colic.

“Freckles was nodding his head violently, whinnying and was very uncomfortable” said Matt, joint-head veterinary nurse at Bell Equine.

“He was dull and depressed, and reluctant to move. As he was out in the field we couldn’t tell if he had passed faeces, but he was eating well.

“A colic examination didn’t reveal much, so the vet took some bloods. Freckles perked up a little after intravenous painkillers.”

Blood test results rapidly revealed that Freckles’ muscle enzymes were “through the roof”, indicating atypical myopathy (AM).

“He also had an increased heart rate and a murmur, so he came into the hospital for fluid therapy,” added Matt. “After two days he was back to normal and has suffered no long-lasting effects.

“His field was surrounded by sycamore trees, but we have since moved him elsewhere. A lot of horses don’t recover from AM — intensive care helped Freckles survive.”

What’s the risk

While there are no definitive figures on the numbers of plant poisonings in horses per year, it is evident that this remains a surprisingly unusual occurrence.

It cannot be overstated that horses are at more risk from the chronic overconsumption of grass, or the rapid ingestion of grain, than the occasional exposure to a noxious plant.

A case in which a man was banned from keeping horses for 10 years highlights the importance of clearing ragwort from grazing land.

Alfie Southall from Lye, Worcs, appeared before Kidderminster Magistrates Court on 4 February.

The court heard that a 16-year-old mare had been grazed on a field in Stourport-on-Severn, which was 50-60% weeds, when she was found in June last year.

A vet was called out and diagnosed the horse with severe liver damage, caused by ragwort. She was put down.

Southall pleaded guilty to failing to protect his mare from pain, suffering and disease and by failing to address the signs of ragwort poisoning, as well as allowing her to ingest the weed.

He was also ordered to do 250hr of unpaid work and to pay £1,000 costs.

RSPCA inspector Suzi Smith said: “Ragwort can result in an extremely painful death. This defendant said he knew of the dangers of ragwort for horses, but saw no problem in continuing to let his horses graze on it.”

The RSPCA received 485 calls about ragwort in 2013.

Lee Hackett of the British Horse Society told H&H the organisation had also received more ragwort reports.

“We commend and fully support the RSPCA in taking this prosecution. Complying with legislation should be one motivating factor to encourage people to remove ragwort, but that pales into insignificance when you consider the threat it poses to horses,” he said.

If ragwort is on your land, you must dig it up from the roots (wearing gloves). If you see ragwort growing, report it to your local council.

➤ For more on the health risks of ragwort and other common poisonous plants, don’t miss H&H’s vet report on 13 March

This article was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (20 February 2014)

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A prosecution has highlighted the importance of clearing ragwort from your land.

Not only can ragwort be fatal to horses, owners may face fines and even imprisonment if it is allowed to grow on grazing areas.

In a recent case, a traveller was convicted at Guildford Crown Court for offences

under the Animal Welfare Act, after 2 ponies died from ragwort poisoning.

“The case was brought by the RSPCA and a conviction was based on failing to meet the needs of an animal and causing unnecessary suffering,” said a spokesman for law firm Clarke Willmott.

“He was disqualified from keeping horses, but this was subsequently lifted after an appeal due to his lifestyle. This case acts as a useful precedent and is an important reminder of the legal implications.”

Lee Hackett of the British Horse Society said ragwort reports increase annually.

“Complying with legislation should be one motivating factor to encourage people to remove it,” he said. “But that pales into insignificance when you consider the threat it poses to horses. Too many people seem to forget that ragwort kills.”

May to October is when the plant is at its peak and ingesting it causes serious liver damage. If it is on your land, you must dig it up from the roots (wearing gloves). If you see ragwort growing, report it to your council.

“It is an offence to fail to comply with clearance notices when they are issued,” added an RSPCA spokesman. “It is also an offence to fail to meet your animal’s welfare needs by allowing them to be in a hazardous environment.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (1 August 2013)

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This year’s wet weather has helped ragwort thrive but getting landowners and the authorities to take action seems very difficult.

Ragwort is a highly poisonous weed for horses and cattle, which causes extensive liver damage, and even death.

The National Farmers Union told H&H that they have received increased reports of ragwort this year.

And the British Horse Society (BHS) has had record responses to its annual ragwort survey.

H&H reader Emma Roberts of Cornwall said: “Ragwort seems to be growing everywhere. There is a massive field of the stuff at Stonehenge.

“We have no problem in Cornwall. The council made a real effort last year to remove it, but I feel incensed that it is being allowed to run rampant elsewhere.”

Under the Weeds Act 1959, amended by the Ragwort Control Act 2003, if ragwort is flowering or seeding within 50 metres of land used for grazing by horses and other animals or for feed or forage production, an order can be made under the act for it to be removed.

But it is not an offence to have ragwort growing on your land if it is not threatening grazing or fodder.

Claire Harding-Brown has fought for two years to get her Berkshire neighbour to remove ragwort.

After unsuccessful attempts to contact the landowner, and offering to remove the weed from the 10-acre field in return for being allowed to ride there, she turned to the authorities.

DEFRA delegated its powers under the Weeds Act to Natural England in 2006.

Mrs Harding-Brown filled out a complaint form for Natural England on 15 June 2011, but to no avail.

“We have sprayed our field and about a foot into my neighbour’s field but this is ridiculous. It’s an injurious weed and it’s by my horses,” said Mrs Harding-Brown.

Lee Hackett of the BHS said: “We believe that ragwort problems are getting worse and the current legislation is ineffective.”

Evidence from the BHS’ annual ragwort surveys will eventually be forwarded to the government as proof that more needs to be done.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (20 September 2012)

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H&H may have crowned it the second horsiest county in our survey (8 July 2010) but Hampshire is also the county most plagued by ragwort, according to the British Horse Society (BHS).

Last year the organisation ran a nationwide survey on the weed. More than 2,000 people responded, with Hampshire receiving 66 reports. Surrey was second with 61. Cheshire, Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire had 50 each.

Cleveland, the Scottish Borders and West Glamorgan received the fewest reports.

Now a second survey has been launched — to coincide with the BHS’s Ragwort Awareness Week (11-17 July). The BHS hopes this new survey will help identify trends in ragwort proliferation and assist in lobbying for control.

“The danger that the plant poses is widely known, yet levels in the UK still continue to rise,” said a BHS spokesman. “This suggests the threat is not being taken seriously. If hard evidence is acquired, the battle to control the weed will be easier to fight and win.”

More than 75% cases nationwide involved land that animals were grazing on or near, and 13,189 horses were identified as grazing on ragwort-infested pasture.

If anyone spots ragwort during the week (11-17 July) they are urged to fill in the form at www.bhs.org.uk

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Cold weather in November and December, followed by a mild January have caused the deadly weed ragwort to start to grow early.

And landowners are being urged to start spraying now to remove the weed from their pastures.

A spokesman for herbicide manufacturer Micron said: “Having survived one of the coldest Decembers on record essentially unscathed ragwort and spear thistle in particular are already moving, especially in the southern counties and require herbicide application targeted at the leaf rosettes now.

“Once established and allowed to grow, spread and multiply during late spring and early summer these weeds become difficult if not impossible to shift.

“However, if hit early in the year while still in a sluggish state, they are easily and quickly dispatched.”

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The Welsh Assembly Government has unveiled a new code of practice to prevent and control the spread of ragwort.

Under the Weeds Act 1959, landowners must take action to stop “injurious weeds” spreading from their land.

A spokesman for the assembly said: “We are not seeking to eradicate ragwort — in the right environment, where it causes no risk to grazing animals, ragwort greatly contributes to the biodiversity of the flora and fauna in our countryside.

“Guidance has been prepared to promote good practice and significantly reduce the risk of poisoning to livestock.”

The assembly has said it will take action where ragwort is growing close to horses and refusal to remove it may lead to court action and loss of the single farm payment.

Ragwort is highly poisonous to horses in its green and dried forms, leading to acute liver damage, but anecdotal evidence points to a proliferation around the UK.

Hundreds of people took part in the British Horse Society’s annual ragwort survey this month.

• H&H is collating an online map of the spread of ragwort

You can download the code of practice at www.wales.gov.uk

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (29 July, ’10)

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In recognition of the British Horse Society’s 2010 Ragwort Awareness Week, H&H is inviting readers to take direct action to help highlight ragwort infestations in their local area by adding them to our nationwide map.

Ragwort is a serious concern for horse owners as it can be fatal if eaten. It also spreads rapidly from field to field if action to remove it is not taken. This highly toxic weed is classified under the Weeds Act 1959. Under the act it is not an offence to have the weed growing on your property, but it must not be allowed to spread to agricultural land.

Local authorities have a responsibility to remove ragwort infestations, but some councils do not treat it as a priority. Last year John Whitaker’s local council came under fire after deciding to use the money previously set aside for ragwort clearing elsewhere.

View Ragwort Map in a larger map

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Everyone involved with horses is being reminded to keep a close eye out for the toxic plant ragwort as part of Ragwort Awareness Week, which runs this week (12-18 July).

The British Horse Society (BHS) is asking the public to complete a survey on the plant and help record the extent of the problem in their area, in order to track the amount and location of ragwort around the country.

Mapping software will be used to highlight those areas where ragwort is most prevalent and the number of animals grazing in ragwort-infested fields will be calculated.

Lee Hackett, BHS senior welfare executive, said: “Ragwort has been causing horrible deaths to horses and ponies for many years and yet it seems to have become more widespread in its distribution. Even when it isn’t in a field grazed by horses it produces seeds that the wind can carry long distances, which spreads the problem in future years.

“The laws surrounding ragwort are not being enforced and we need to stand up and be counted. We must take action now rather than sit back and allow the problem to become progressively worse”.

To fill in the survey visit: www.bhs.org.uk.

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Rag-Fork, a family firm based in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, has teamed up with the British Horse Society (BHS) to collect data on ragwort as part of the first survey of its kind in the UK.

The BHS wants everyone involved with horses to log on to their online survey during Ragwort Awareness Week — 12-18 July.

Respondents will be asked to provide information on where they have spotted the weed, the density of growth and approximately how many animals (including sheep, cattle and horses) are grazing in the immediate vicinity.

“It will only take five minutes to complete the survey and if people could spot this noxious weed and let us know, they will be making a valuable contribution to our horses’ future,” said Lee Hackett of the BHS.

Data will be collected in the same week in coming years so the charity can establish trends in the growth and spread of the killer plant.

People taking part in the survey also have the chance to win themselves one of 50 Rag-Forks.

The Rag-Fork was devised in 2000 by Derrick Marsden who was involved with breeding, exhibiting and competing with horses and ponies for more than 30 years.

Recognising the increasing danger that ragwort poses to horses and other livestock, he decided that there had to be a better way to remove ragwort than pulling it by hand.

Faced with this task, he spent many months developing and testing a wide range of prototypes, which resulted in the development of the Rag-Fork.

In 2001 the Rag-Fork it was ‘highly commended’ by BETA in their Product Awards.

To access the survey go to www.bhs.org.uk.

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The British Horse Society (BHS) has issued a call to arms for the horseworld to help collect information on ragwort as part of the first survey of its kind in the UK.

“Currently there is no data on the prevalence of ragwort in the UK and its potential threat to livestock,” said Lee Hackett, head of welfare for the BHS.

“But we get the impression, through people contacting our welfare department, that ragwort is on the increase.”

The BHS wants everyone involved with horses to log onto their online survey during Ragwort Awareness Week — 12-18 July.

Respondents will be asked to provide information on where they have spotted ragwort, the density of growth and approximately how many animals — including sheep, cattle and horses — are grazing in the immediate vicinity.

“It will only take five minutes to complete the survey and if people could spot this noxious weed and then let us know, they will be making a valuable contribution to our horses’ future,” Mr Hackett added.

The online campaign will run for the duration of Ragwort Awareness Week with data collected being compared to the same period in years to come, in the hope of establishing trends in the growth and spread of thekiller plant.

The BHS is also aware it has no evidence to prove whether legislation regarding the toxic weed is effective and if the educational message is getting across to livestock owners.

The Weeds Act of 1959 and Control of Ragwort Act (2003) put the responsibility for eradicating ragwort at the landowner or occupier’s door.

But the charity fears the law is not being enforced, except in Wales where the Welsh Assembly recently released an agricultural bulletin warning that anyone found infringing the Weeds Act would be reprimanded.

Although death by ragwort poisoning is rare in horses, H&H vet Karen Coumbe MRCVS describes the plant as a “hit-and-run attacker”.

She said: “Ragwort will cause considerable liver damage, but it often doesn’t appear until much later, making it difficult to link liver failure directly to ragwort consumption.”

Signs of severe equine liver damage range from blindness to fits, weight loss and nerve damage.

“Ragwort poisoning is entirely preventable — if the ragwort’s not there it won’t be a problem,” Mrs Coumbe added.

For more information and to access the survey go to www.bhs.org.uk

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (1 July, ’10)

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A council in West Yorkshire is under fire for failing to clear ragwort in public areas this year.

Sheep farmer Stuart Jackson from Hepworth, near Holmfirth, has six horses, and although he regularly pulls the weed on his property, he claims ragwort from nearby public land is contaminating his farm.

Mr Jackson said Kirklees Council normally clears ragwort every year, but this year he was told the money would be redirected elsewhere.

“They were beginning to make inroads, but if they don’t clear every year we will be back to square one,” he said. “I even offered to clear the verge myself and send them the bill, but they just laughed.”

He added the council has a duty of care as ragwort is dangerous for animals.

Kirklees Council admitted clearing has stalled this year.

“For the past 10 years we have carried out a labour-intensive and costly removal programme of ragwort from the verges of Kirklees,” a spokesman said.

“It made no noticeable difference to ragwort levels so verges are now cut on request.”

She added that the verge Mr Jackson is concerned with is three miles long.

“It would need an immense amount of labour to hand pull each plant,” she said. “So we arranged for it to be cut.”

Show jumper John Whitaker, who lives nearby, said: “Ragwort is certainly a problem. I haven’t noticed it’s ever really been cleared, but I would welcome it if it was.”

As an injurious weed, ragwort is classified under the Weeds Act 1959. Under the act it is not an offence to have the weed growing on your property, but it must not spread to agricultural land.

Natural England advises anyone concerned about ragwort to visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (3 September, ’09)

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EPIDEMIC levels of highly toxic ragwort are endangering horses and livestock throughout the country, says World Horse Welfare.

The charity is urging communities, local authorities and landowners to take action, particularly along motorways.

“Ragwort poses a huge risk to horse health — this plant is a hooligan that spreads incredibly quickly,” said Tony Tyler of World Horse Welfare.

The Countryside Alliance is writing to all local councils this week reminding them of their duties to clear ragwort from land near grazing.

As many as 6,500 horses die every year from ragwort poisoning, according to British Horse Society (BHS) figures, but humans can be affected too.

The plant’s toxins kill cells in the liver, with the dead cells turning to fibrous tissue.

Large concentrations of the plant, via the foraging of bees, can contaminate honey for human consumption.

Its presence in the liver isn’t usually spotted in horses until too late and failure has occurred.

Michelle Andrews, of Essex, whose Irish draught-cross horse was diagnosed with ragwort poisoning last year, only realised because another horse on the same yard was ill.

“The signs of poisoning are not as acute as you would imagine. My horse was just a bit nappy and stroppy.

“But my friend’s Anglo Arab was quite depressed and the vet said they both had ragwort poisoning,” she said.

Both horses have recovered.

A Highways Agency spokesman said: “We target our efforts at infestations growing close to animal pasture.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (21 August, ’08)

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Jersey’s landowners are being asked to take action against the poisonous weed ragwort after warm, humid weather on the island this year is causing it to spread more rapidly than previously.

The yellowing flowering weed can be fatal to horses, causing damage to their liver, weight loss and jaundice.

Although animals are less likely to eat it in its raw, growing state, the weed often ends up in hay and silage.

Alan Derrien, head of agricultural inspection for the States told H&H: “We are launching an awareness campaign to control the weed and encourage anyone who spots ragwort to cut it down, or preferably dig it up — using gloves — and to call us.

“We’ve already been very busy with calls so we are hoping we can stop it seeding and spreading.

“Although it is impossible to eradicate ragwort we have been successful in preventing the spread in the past few years — Jersey’s landowners are very proactive.

“The weather this year has provided perfect growing conditions and although it is not yet a major problem we want to stop it from spreading.”

If anyone sees any ragwort in Jersey they should call 01534 873314.

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The British Horse Society (BHS) is urging people to join forces to tackle ragwort during the first Ragwort Awareness Week of 2008.

Ragwort is a deadly weed for horses, causing liver damage that can be fatal.

The BHS’s first Ragwort Awareness Week of this year will run from 14-20 April.

BHS welfare executive Lee Hackett said: “Every year the BHS receives hundreds of calls and emails from concerned horse owners requiring advice on how to control Ragwort.

“This is an important time of year to control ragwort, while it is still at the rosette stage in order to help prevent the weed spreading further.”

The BHS is urging people to help prevent the spread of ragwort by calling for volunteers to organise ragwort pulling parties to remove the deadly yellow weed where it is growing on or near to grazing land.

Fifty Ragforks have been donated for pulling parties, and will be delivered free of charge to those wishing to take part.

The BHS advises that you wear thick, waterproof gloves when handling ragwort.

For more information and advice on ragwort or to request a Ragfork please contact Rachel Molloy, BHS Executive Welfare on 01926 707807 or r.molloy@bhs.org.uk

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The latest weapon in the fight against ragwort is small and fluttery, according to experts in New Zealand.

NZ Landcare Trust’s West Coast Ragwort Project has introduced a small insect, the plume moth, into the countryside in the hope that the caterpillars will eat the flowers, leaves and roots of the plants.

And it can take only two caterpillars to kill a plant.

Ragwort can be fatal if eaten by horses, attacking the liver.

A spokesman for the project said: “If the moths establish and are effective, farmers will gain a long-term sustainable method of controlling ragwort which is a bad weed for dairy farmers.

“It will also save money by reducing the need for other, more costly types of weed control, like spraying by helicopter.”

The plume moth is a native of central Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa and southern Europe.

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The British Horse Society (BHS) is calling for volunteers to organise ragwort-pulling parties during its Ragwort Awareness Week (17 – 23 September).

The team that pulls the most of the deadly yellow weed from grazing land will win £150 of Robinsons Country Leisure vouchers. Second prize will be £100 worth of vouchers and third prize £50 worth.

BHS welfare senior executive Lee Hackett said it had been a particularly bad year for the weed.

“Each ragwort plant will produce thousands of seeds that are easily dispersed by the wind so it’s not too late to get involved and help keep the amount of ragwort down for next year,” he said.

He advised pullers to wear thick gloves and to protect their skin from contact with the weed. Parties can also make use of free Ragforks to make the task easier.

To enter the competition email a brief report of your ragwort pulling party — with before, after and team photographs — to l.hackett@bhs.org.uk before 15 October.

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The International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) has received more calls about ragwort this summer than ever before.

The leading equine charity says horse owners need to be extra vigilant. Increased rainfall and uncut verges, due to the wet weather, have left the yellow weed at “epidemic levels”.

According to botanists, ragwort is spreading at a rate of 10% per year.

Ragwort is the scourge of pony paddocks across the country. The yellow blossoms look pretty to the untrained eye, but horse owners know to treat the weed with caution.

Professor Derek Knottenbelt from Liverpool University estimates that 500 to 1,000 horses in the UK die from eating ragwort each year. He said the actual figure is likely to be significantly higher, because ragwort poisoning is not easy to detect.

“Victims can die of bleeding, chronic dementia or weight loss all of which are rarely attributed to ragwort,” said Prof Knottenbelt. “It can take two years of regular ingesting for complete liver failure to occur — resulting in a slow and painful death.”

If you find ragwort in your fields, spraying or digging it up are the best ways of tackling it. Make sure you wear a dust mask to prevent inhalation and vinyl gloves to stop the toxins entering the bloodstream: the alkaloid toxins contained within the plant are extremely harmful to humans too. Even cutting the flower heads off can help because each plant head is capable of spawning 175,000 plants the following year.

More information

• www.ilph.org
• www.liv.ac.uk
• Ragwort posioning

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The Highways Agency has pledged to focus its ragwort elimination programme on the verges of motorways and trunk roads that are close to grazing animals.

A Highways Agency spokesman said: “Following the publication of new government guidance (a revised code of practice on how to prevent the spread of ragwort) we are taking this problem more seriously than ever, and we are assessing the risks in different areas.”

A common method of eradicating the weed is to use herbicide at its leafy rosette stage, but it is often necessary to hand pull the plant when it comes into flower in July or August.

The spokesman added: “We are continually looking at new, environmentally friendly techniques. Cutting is avoided as it encourages thicker growth the following year.”

When ingested by a grazing horse ragwort acts as a cumulative poison, eventually destroying the liver. Each plant can produce up to 150,000 seeds with a 70% germination rate.

Read more about ragwort poisoning >>

www.highways.gov.uk

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Horse owners across Britain will be joining forces against the spread of ragwort next week (2-8 April).

As part of the 2007 Ragwort Awareness Campaign, the BHS is calling for volunteers to organise ragwort pulling parties to remove the deadly weed from grazing land and surrounding areas.

Hundreds of horses die each year after eating ragwort and the BHS is determined to stop the yellow-flowered weed spreading over grazing land across the country.

“Our aim is to continue to educate horse and land owners of the dangers ragwort poses to both grazing animals and human health,” said Rachel Molloy, BHS acting senior executive of welfare.

The BHS strongly recommend wearing gloves at all times when handling ragwort, and protecting skin from contact with the weed.

Ragfork have very kindly donated 100 Ragforks, available to the first 100 people to request one for their own pulling party from r.molloy@bhs.org.uk

As an added incentive, Robinsons Country Leisure are providing £300 worth of prizes for the three teams showing the best effort or most initiative in putting together a ragwort pulling party. To enter, teams are asked to email or send in a brief report by 1 May 2007, including a before, after and team photograph to r.molloy@bhs.org.uk

• Ragwort poisoning
• Ragwort blood test research
• British Horse Society

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The BHS Welfare Department is hosting the first ragwort pulling party at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire tomorrow (20 September). Hundreds of horses die each year after eating ragwort each year and the BHS is determined to stop the deadly yellow-flowered weed spreading over grazing land across the country. “September is the time of year when ragwort should be removed,” said Rachel Molloy from the BHS.

Volunteers across Britain and Ireland are being encouraged to follow suit and organise Pulling Parties to rid the British countryside of ragwort. “The BHS receives hundreds of calls and emails from people concerned about ragwort growing in their area,” says Rebecca Palmer, Acting BHS Senior Executive of Welfare, “Commonly, action to prevent the spread of ragwort is taken by horse and livestock owners, but problems with ragwort growing on roadside verges and wasteland is still a major issue as it can easily spread to nearby grazing land.”

The BHS Welfare Department is hosting the first pulling party tomorrow afternoon in the grounds of Stoneleigh Park “We’re hoping other people across Britain will do the same,” said Molloy, “wearing the right safety equipment of course.” Party participants can submit photos of their event to the BHS and a prize will be awarded to the best.

A free leaflet Advice on The Dangers of Ragwort, as well as Defra Codes of Practice and Defra Guidance on the disposal options for Common Ragwort. Please contact the BHS Welfare Department for further information or advice.

For more information and ticket details, please contact the BHS Welfare Department on 01926 707807 or email R.Molloy@bhs.org.uk

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Major landowners are being informed about the dangers of ragwort at the 2006 Ragwort Awareness Conference in London today (Thursday April 27), which features keynote speaker Professor Derek Knottenbelt.

The conference aims to educate local authorities and other major owners of land about the existing laws and the dangers that ragwort poses to grazing animals and human health. Informative presentations from the country’s leading ragwort experts will help spread the word about the safe disposal of ragwort and ways to prevent it from growing. “The burgeoning of ragwort across the UK is not only a hazard for horses and other grazing animals. It has potentially serious human implications and is an environmental disaster in the making,” Professor Knottenbelt explained.

The event is being run by the British Horse Society (BHS) following growing numbers of calls from the public about the spread of ragwort across the British countryside. The BHS was instrumental in the formation of the Ragwort Act 2003 and the codes of practice introduced alongside the legislation, which amended the existing Weeds Act; but now the BHS’s Welfare Department recognises the need to highlight the dangers of the plant to major landowners.

BHS Chairman Patrick Print said: “Education is our main weapon in fighting the scourge of ragwort. For this vital conference to have maximum impact, we would like to encourage members of the public to urge their local councillors, MPs and major landowners in their counties to attend to learn more about the plant and the dangers it poses.”

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Ragwort – the silent killer of between 500 and 2000 horses annually – is taking over the British countryside, and also poses an increasing risk to humans, according to experts.

As Professor Derek Knottenbelt explained at the Pony Club Conference yesterday, it has now been found in wheat, milk and honey, all products intended for human consumption. In a bid to raise awareness of the horrific liver damage ragwort causes, The British Horse Society is to launch its 2006 Ragwort Awareness Campaign at a Ragwort Awareness Conference in London on Thursday 27 April.

Poisoning from ragwort can only be detected when around 70% of the liver is already dead, as Professor Knottenbelt explained: “It is a silent, devious killer – a hooligan… Ragwort poisoning is unacceptable and totally avoidable,” he explained. “The burgeoning of ragwort across the UK is not only a hazard for horses and other grazing animals. It has potentially serious human implications and is an environmental disaster in the making.”

The conference in April aims to educate local authorities and other major land owners about existing ragwort laws and the dangers the weed poses to animals and humans. Professor Knottenbelt will be speaking along with botanist and conservationist Professor David Bellamy.

BHS Chairman Patrick Print said: “Education is our main weapon in fighting the scourge of ragwort. For this vital conference to have maximum impact, we would like to encourage members of the public to urge their local councillors, MPs and major landowners in their counties to attend to learn more about ragwort.”

The conference is by invitation only. However, interested parties are welcome to apply for a place by contacting the Welfare Department(tel: 01926 707839).

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Experts can’t be certain how many horses die from ragwort poisoning, although conservative estimates start at 500-1,000 per year. Some victims graze in fields of the stuff; some eat ragwort-infested hay. Some are accurately diagnosed via blood tests, liver biopsy or post-mortem, while others die undiagnosed.

Professor Derek Knottenbelt has been working with a team at the University of Liverpool for the past few years to develop a test that will be able to detect whether a horse has eaten ragwort. The test is being designed to act as a useful early warning and is on track for completion next year.

“In the 1970s-80s, a researcher devised a crude, complicated test to detect ragwort in laboratory animals. A few years ago, we decided to develop our own test,” explains Prof Knottenbelt.

“The alternative is to go through hay, picking out strands of ragwort. ADAS [the former governmental advisory service for agriculture] had a hay-testing machine in the 1990s. But you never got the bale back, and even if it was OK, your next bale might have ragwort in it because it usually grows in patches.

“Liverpool has the world’s leading scientific group working on proteomics, through which individual molecules of individual proteins can be identified. One molecule of ragwort could show up in blood. Two PhD students are working on it, under Professor Rob Beynon. They’re trying to determine how sensitive the test can be, depending on how much was eaten and when.

“We hope yards will use the test routinely. A 10-horse yard could take blood from two horses every month. If the horses were fed from the same sources, a positive would indicate that all 10 are eating ragwort and the owner could investigate.

“We’ve had funding from the Home of Rest for Horses, the Bransby Home of Horses, the International League for the Protection of Horses, Dodson & Horrell, Sue Pike Equine and Animal Rescue and countless individuals and organisations, but we need more. We hope the test will be usable next year, although the cream on the cake would be saliva, hair or urine testing, which is still some way off.”

Rowan Moore, a PhD student working on the research, says: “Ragwort poisoning cases are commonly defined as either acute or toxic, and little is known about the relative signs or the damage induced by each form.

“In developing this test, we can’t administer such a toxic plant to horses, therefore much work is based on modelling this process in vitro [in test tubes rather than an animal]. Secondly, most previous work has been based on species other than the horse. Although cross-species comparisons have sometimes been consistent, we can’t confidently extrapolate findings from other species to the horse. So we require samples from ‘suspected ragwort poisoning’ cases.”

Prof Knottenbelt would like to hear from anyone who knows or suspects their horse has eaten ragwort and anyone whose horse has been diagnosed with ragwort poisoning. E-mail knotty@liv.ac.uk

This information was extracted from a veterinary feature published in Horse & Hound (29 September, ’05)

Animal welfare organisations warn that horse owners are putting their horses at risk by remaining apathetic to the dangers of ragwort, despite more than 1,000 horse deaths from the weed each year.

According to the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC), Britain is in the grip of the worst plague of ragwort for more than 20 years, in spite of last year’s introduction of the Ragwort Control Act. But getting the critical message of the dangers of the killer yellow weed across is still a massive challenge to vets and welfare bodies.

“Ragwort is a thug — there’s no other weed like it,” said ragwort expert, Prof Derek Knottenbelt from Liverpool University. “It is the most hideous stuff in the world, bar none.”

Ragwort wreaks havoc in a horse’s liver, resulting in the delayed onset of chronic, progressive liver failure. Build-up of toxins can result in brain disease, with dramatic side effects such as mania and blindness.

A small intake of the toxic weed over a long period is just as damaging as a large intake on a single occasion, according to Prof Knottenbelt, who says many horse owners still harbour the misconception that horses don’t eat ragwort.

NEWC executive secretary Elaine Cannon said many horse owners were simply numbed by year-on-year ragwort alarms. “But if they could see our video footage of how a horse suffers, banging its head into walls and stables, I think they would take a little more care,” she added.

Download the NEWC video now >>

Speaking on behalf of NEWC’s members, Cannon stressed widespread apathy presented a grave threat, given the number of deaths each year from the weed.

Prof Knottenbelt believes the figure of 1,000 deaths to be a conservative estimate. For the past two years he has led groundbreaking research into the development of an accurate blood test to specifically detect ragwort poisoning in live horses. It is hoped a test will be finalised by April 2006. But in the meantime, there is no way of detecting the lethal pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxin contained in ragwort.

Read this story in full in today’s Horse & Hound (1 September, ’05)

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The British Horse Society (BHS) is holding the first of two annual ragwort awareness weeks this week (4-8 April) — the second will take place in September.

The BHS is using the initiative to encouraging horse owners to clear paddocks of the small “rosette-stage” growths visible now, rather than waiting until the plant is in bloom and ready to spread.

The biennial weed is one of the most common causes of poisoning in horses and cattle, killing thousands every year, and its effects are cumulative, so that small intakes over a long period of time have the same effects as one large intake.

Ragwort contains alkaloids, which are poisonous to livestock as well as humans, and causes potentially fatal liver damage in horses. Symptoms include loss of condition, poor appetite, lethargy and photosensitisation (sunburn).

The most recent data available for ragwort deaths in Britain dates back to 2002, when some 6,500 animals were believed to have died as a result of ingesting the killer weed.

The introduction of the BHS-backed Ragwort Control Act in 2003, has made it easier for DEFRA to act on complaints about ragwort and compel councils, public bodies and landowners to clear the poisonous yellow-flowering plant.

Under the revised procedures for investigating ragwort, DEFRA issued 41 enforcement notices in 2004, compared to 11 in 2003. A DEFRA spokesman said that in most cases, the notice had resulted in the weeds being cleared.

The BHS reported a surge in calls after the ragwort code of practice was launched in July 2004 from people asking how to complain about ragwort.

The DEFRA website advises: “First approach the owner/occupier of the land on which the weeds are and ask them to take steps to clear the weeds.”

For ragwort alongside motorways or trunk roads, the complaint should be referred to the Highways Agency (tel: 08457 504030), and for minor roads, the local highway authority (see telephone directory). For ragwort on railway land, call Network Rail (tel: 08457 114141).

If this fails, complainants should complete the four-page Weeds Act complaint form (north of England: tel: 01270 754262; south: tel: 0117 959 8622; ask for Weed 2 Rev 7/03).

For further information about ragwort, contact the BHS welfare department (tel: 01926 707807) or visit: www.bhs.org.uk

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Design and function

The liver is the powerhouse of the body. It has a vital role to play in almost every bodily function and is the most important single organ in the body, because every other organ depends upon it.

Individual liver cells are arranged in columns around a central draining blood vessel. Each cell can be rapidly regenerated – the whole mass of the liver is replaced within a few weeks.

The various roles of the liver include some metabolic functions. The liver produces energy and protein building blocks for the body. These are delivered to other organs so that they can function, repair and regenerate cells and organs that die off.

Liver damage

Liver infections can be transient, but may be serious or even life threatening. Both bacterial and viral infections commonly develop, but there may be only mild signs apparent – fortunately, liver damage is usually detectable through blood analysis.

By far the most common cause of serious liver damage in horses in the UK is ragwort poisoning. The toxin hits the cells nearest the gut and these are the focus of the early damage.

This is an insidious killer – each tiny amount of the poison absorbed from the gut causes a corresponding additional amount of damage. There is no such thing as a safe amount of ragwort!

This damage is usually irreversible because the poison destroys the liver substance so the liver cannot regenerate or repair itself in the normal way.

Usually the liver is able to maintain most of its functions, even when large proportions of its tissues are damaged. Only when more than 75% of the liver is damaged will any outward evidence appear – at which point it is probably too late to do anything.

Digestion

The liver plays an important role in digestion – bile, and salts secreted into the bile, help change the acidity of the food as it enters the gut from the strongly acidic stomach.

A lack of bile production alters digestion, particularly the way in which fats are broken down. The horse has no gall bladder and bile is discharged in response to eating, so if a horse is starved for 12-24hr the bile pigments can accumulate in the blood, giving a false impression of jaundice.

Failure to produce and secrete bile salts into the bile duct is a common indication of liver function – if the functional reserve of the liver is exhausted, bile salts will accumulate in the bloodstream, an invaluable test for the overall function of the liver.

Detoxifier

The liver acts as a filtration system to protect other organs from the effects of toxin build-up. It is the body’s own detox system. Poisons absorbed from the gut are removed from the blood before they can affect the rest of the body.

Also, naturally produced poisons such as ammonia (a by-product of protein metabolism) and bilirubin (a by-product of haemoglobin) are converted into safe chemicals that can be excreted. Ammonia is converted into urea for excretion by the kidney, and bilirubin is filtered into the bile for excretion into the gut.

Horses with serious liver disease may have abnormally high ammonia levels in the blood and this can be a major cause of severe neurological dysfunction – fits, seizures, dementia and even death.

When more than 75% of the liver fails, these pigments and other metabolites accumulate in the blood and result in changes in many organs. Failure to excrete the yellow bilirubin pigment allows it to build up in the blood and the visible membranes of the mouth and the eyes and, in severe cases, the skin, become yellow.

This is called jaundice or icterus. Again, there may be secondary effects of these alterations – jaundice commonly causes severe appetite suppression. Jaundice can also occur under other circumstances, so not every jaundiced horse has liver disease.

If the liver is damaged, it may be over-sensitive to sunlight, resulting in a special type of sunburn or photosensitivity. Typically, light-coloured areas, such as on the muzzle and the white lower limbs, are affected.

The liver also manufactures many essential micro-chemicals, such as clotting factors and vitamins. When the functional reserve of the liver is exhausted these are deficient and the horse may bleed from the nose or into the gut or urine.

Iron and other essential vitamins and minerals are stored in the liver until they are required – vitamin and mineral deficiency diseases are a common reflection of liver failure.

Damage to the liver, arising from any cause, has the potential to be life threatening. The most significant harm is caused by disease that either prevents the liver from “healing” or damages too much of the liver, so death intervenes before repair can take place.

Often a horse may be suffering from more than one condition. One condition may be manageable, but a general illness plus liver disease can push the horse over the edge into liver failure.

This is why in some cases of ragwort poisoning the horse may seem to recover reasonably well – usually, the transient problem resolves and restores the function of the liver to over the minimum 25% required for it to work.

Diagnosis – and the future

The diagnosis of liver disease is a major challenge. The signs and tests for these are non-specific and many conditions cause the same “blood picture”. One way to make a categorical diagnosis is by taking a small liver sample and examining it under a microscope.

However, this works only on diseases that affect the whole organ. Where there is a focal problem, there may be no indication of the disease unless the biopsy is taken from the affected area. While biopsy provides very useful information, it is not necessarily an easy or safe procedure.

Signs of liver disease

Mild signs:

• Diarrhoea (cow-pat like) or constipation
• Weight loss
• Fluid accumulation under belly and in hind limbs
• Photosensitisation (excessive sunburn arising from mild exposure to sun and restricted to white areas)
• Tendency to bleed without clotting
• Repeated yawning
• Poor or reduced performance
• Reduced appetite
• Poor coat qualitySevere signs:
• Severe debility
• Head pressing
• Swelling of the head and all legs, as well as fluid accumulation in the belly

Central nervous signs including depression, mania, seizures, bizarre behaviour, blindness, coma and death

A Code of Practice on How to Prevent the Spread of Ragwort has been published by Defra. The code came about as because of a Private Members’ Bill, supported by the BHS, in 2002 which resulted in the Ragwort Control Act of 2003.

The code of practice “aims to reduce significantly the risk that horses or other livestock might be poisoned” by providing a “strategic and cost-effective approach” to controlling ragwort.

It gives advice on:

• Identification of Common Ragwort
• Risk assessment and priorities for ragwort control
• Control methods – their suitability and efficacy
• Environmental considerations
• Health and safety issuesIn addition the code of practice, which has evidential status, is expected to make it easier to enforce the Weeds Act of 1959, which requires an occupier of land where Common Ragwort is growing to take action to prevent it spreading.Above all, the publication of the code will increase awareness of legal requirements surrounding the control of ragwort, as well as emphasising the threat the noxious weed poses to horses and other livestock.A BHS spokesperson explained that although the code of practice is a major step forward in the battle with ragwort, it doesn’t provide the blanket control of ragwort that many horse owners would like to see:“Whilst the code of practice is a groundbreaking document, it doesn’t go quite as far as we would have liked. However, it a very sensible compromise allowing for the improved control of ragwort while providing conservation groups with the possibility of retaining the plant, which has a significant role within the countryside’s eco system,” she said.Conservation groups, under the umbrella of Countryside & Wildlife Link were initially opposed to the ragwort control act, and were very concerned about the effects of the Code of Practice.But lengthy discussions between the various interest groups produced a document which accedes to demands from conservation groups – the code “does not seek to eradicate ragwort” – while accepting the danger it poses to horses – “but only seeks to control it where there is a threat to the health and welfare of animals.
• Although the official figure for the number of horses killed by ragwort last year stands in the region of 300, the actual figure is thought to be much higher since post-mortem examinations are so rarely carried out.
• Ragwort poisoning can currently only be diagnosed through clinical signs, by which time irreparable damage to the horse’s liver has occurred and death is inevitable.
• Click here to see a copy of the Ragwort Code of Practice.

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The British Horse Society (BHS) has announced Ragwort Action Week, to take place from 19-25 July, which will coincide with the publication with the ragwort code of practice.

The society has been behind the political campaign to raise awareness of the poisonous weed from the outset, recruiting MP John Greenway, who introduced a Bill on ragwort control in 2003. The Bill was made law at the end of last year, and included provision for a code of practice which could be used to support legal action against landowners who did not deal effectively with ragwort.

During Ragwort Action Week, the society will work in conjunction with its strong volunteer force to increase awareness of the dangers of horses and other livestock ingesting the weed, and how it should be best dealt with.

“Our aim is to highlight to all landowners, occupiers and horse owners – all those responsible for pasture management – just how serious the dangers of ragwort are,” explained Wendy Peckham, who is the driving force behind Ragwort Action Week.

“It is impossible to establish how many horses are suffering from liver damage as a result of ragwort poisoning, but 284 cases were reported in 2002, and since post-mortems are quite rarely carried out, the actual figure is likely to be considerably higher,” she said.

The code of practice sets out a strategy for land management so that it doesn’t pose a threat to horses and livestock, either direct or in the form of dried fodder. It details how to deal with and how to dispose of the weed safely.

“This is the first time that we have had a proper strategy in one document which approaches all the various elements of dealing with ragwort,” Wendy added.

• For more information and for leaflets and posters, see www.bhs.org.uk

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The largest provider of equine grants in the UK, the Home of Rest for Horses, has awarded a substantial grant to the University of Liverpool to help continue its urgent research into ragwort poisoning.

The biennial weed is believed to be one of the most common causes of poisoning in horses and cattle, killing thousands every year, and its effects may be cumulative, so that small intakes over a long period of time have the same effects as a large intake.

Ragwort contains alkaloids, which are poisonous to livestock as well as humans, and causes potentially fatal liver damage in horses. Symptoms include loss of condition, poor appetite, lethargy and photosensitisation (sunburn).

Dr Derek Knottenbelt, head of ragwort research at the University of Liverpool, explained that his team will be refining and developing their current test to make it of more use to the general public. In its present state the test is laborious, involving a considerable amount of laboratory work.

The money provided by the Home of Rest for Horses, along with the funds raised throughout this year, will be used to fund a full-time two-year project, aimed at developing a commercially viable test. The test will be able to determine the extent of ragwort poisoning before any clinical signs develop.

Dr Knottenbelt expressed his gratitude and delight at receiving such a generous sum which will allow his team to research this problem thoroughly. He said: “We are very grateful to all of those who have donated money to this cause; the general public, as well as the ILPH, Dodson & Horrell and the Bransby Home of Rest for Horses.”

The project is due to start in March, although preliminary aspects of the research are well under way. Paul Jepson, director of the Home of Rest for Horses was keen to stress that there will be no vivisection involved. Instead, the research will focus on how the toxin binds on to haemoglobin molecules in red blood cells.

“This is pioneering stuff”, Mr Jepson told HHO. “I am very optimistic that at the end of it we will have something tangible that we can use.”

There is still great speculation regarding the number of horses that die from ragwort. Mr Jepson highlighted the difficulty vets face in convincing horse owners that ragwort is a killer, since it is considered likely that on occasions, toxicity resulting from the consumption of ragwort weakens animals to the extent that they are killed by something unrelated that they could usually withstand.

“If we can demonstrate that horses are damaged [by ragwort], there would be a much greater incentive to do something about it,” he explained.

Dr Knottenbelt was realistic about the permanents effects of ragwort poisoning, emphasising that the blood test will provide a protocol for the prevention of further ingestion of ragwort. He stressed the clear need for a mechanism which could be used on a day-to-day basis.

“We visualise that the test will be used on a random sample of horses in a yard every four weeks or so. That would be truly great progress in battling against this killer weed,” he told HHO.

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John Greenway, the Ryedale, North Yorkshire MP who successfully steered the BHS-initiated Ragwort Control Bill through parliament, has won the inaugural ePolitix Charity Champion Award for animal welfare.

The awards are organised by ePolitix.com, a political website which aims to improve communication between elected representatives and the public, to recognise the work done by MPs in promoting and assisting charitable causes.

Four MPs were nominated for the animal welfare award including Mr Greenway, who was put forward by the BHS. The society is delighted that his efforts have been recognised.

BHS chief executive, Kay Driver, says: “John has paved the way for a code of practice that will be admissible in evidence and will provide, for the first time, a strategy by which landowners and occupiers can formulate policy for effective ragwort control.

“We will never know how many horses’ lives have been saved thanks to John but he has earned the gratitude of every horse owner in the country. He is a deserving winner of the first ePolitix Charity Champion animal welfare award.”

Mr Greenway received his award earlier this week in a ceremony at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London.

He told the audience: “Horses are much loved animals and sadly, too many die from ragwort poisoning. I didn’t need much persuading to introduce the Bill on behalf of the BHS.”

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A new blood test to recognise ragwort poisoning in equines is expected to be available by the end of next year, thanks to the work of a team of scientists at the University of Liverpool.

Dr Derek Knottenbelt and his team have been working on a test to detect if a horse has ingested the deadly weed for the past couple of years. Currently ragwort poisoning can only be diagnosed through clinical signs, by which time irreparable damage to the horse’s liver has occurred and death is inevitable.

At least 6,500 horses died from ragwort poisoning last year and it is hoped that the new test will significantly reduce the number of deaths by enabling owners to act before it is too late.

“I would like to have the test ready for next spring, but, being realistic, I hope it will be available by end of 2004,” says Dr Knottenbelt.

There was concern earlier this year that the research would grind to a halt due to insufficient funding, but thanks to the generosity of a number of equine organisations, plus thousands of individuals, Dr Knottenbelt believes the end is in sight.

“Earlier this year I thought a lack of funds would prevent us from develop a useable test, but now I’m much more optimistic and extremely grateful to everyone who has donated to the cause,” he says.

“We have just received a significant donation from the Bransby Home of Rest for Horses, which will ensure the work can continue. The efforts of individuals, such as Diane and Fiona Luke of Bury St Edmunds who raised £4,000 for the cause at a charity event recently, are also vitally important.”

Although the immediate future of the research has been secured, Dr Knottenbelt is keen to emphasis that continued donations are necessary if the test is to be successfully delivered.

“Every contribution, no matter how large or small the amount, is important to us. We need to continue to receive funds for the research and the ongoing cost of processing the test results, once it is available.”

The University of Liverpool’s work will be assisted by the new British Horse Society-backed Ragwort Control Bill, which is paving the way for a new code of practise to encourage landowners to manage ragwort on their land.

“The Bill is a real credit to everyone who has been involved — especially the BHS,” says Dr Knottenbelt. “The bill and the new test will go a long way towards preventing these unnecessary deaths.”

To make a donation please send a cheque, made payable to the University of Liverpool (Ragwort HH), to Dr D Knottenbelt, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, South Wirral CH64 7TE.

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The threat posed to horses by the spread of ragwort has been recognised at the highest level thanks to the British Horse Society-initiated Ragwort Control Bill, which completed its passage through parliament yesterday and is set to become law early next year.

The Bill paves the way for the introduction of a new “code of practice” to prevent and control the spread of the weed, which is highly toxic to all equines and was responsible for at least 6,500 deaths last year.

BHS chief executive, Kay Driver, says: “We are delighted that the Ragwort Control Bill has been successful. This will, we hope, make a real difference in landowners’ attitudes towards the need to control ragwort.”

The draft code of practice, which will apply to England only and is expected to go under consultation shortly, covers:

• The laws and responsibilities of land owners
• Risks to animal and human health
• Policies for control and monitoring spread
• Special provisions for specific categories of land, such as set aside and common land
• Cultural, chemical and biological methods of control
• Health and safety issues
• Safe methods of disposal

There were concerns that the Bill would be high jacked at the final stage by conservations groups, who feared the effect it would have on ragwort’s ecological status, but these amendments were withdrawn during the debate stage last week.

“The society would like to thank the government, MPs and members of the House of Lords for their support of the Ragwort Control Bill, which is a significant step forward for horse owners worried about the spread of ragwort in this country,” continues Kay.

The BHS acknowledges that eradicating ragwort completely is not necessary to protect the equine population, but maintains it is essential to control it and prevent it from spreading to grazing land and land used for the production of dried forage.

“The BHS is willing to co-operate with conservation groups to ensure a workable code of practice acceptable to both them and to horse owners.”

Kay concludes: “Horse owners must, and many do, accept their responsibility to undertake proper pasture management, and the BHS will help to promote this. However, it is irresponsible of neighbouring or other landowners to allow ragwort growing on their land to spread and endanger the lives of horses.”

• Further details of the Bill and the draft code of practice are available on: www.defra.gov.uk/rural/horses/topics/ragwort.htm

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Baroness Masham of Ilton will be leading the BHS-initiated Ragwort Control Bill as it receives its second reading in the House of Lords today (Friday 17 October).

“This Bill will strengthen the Weed Act, by putting in place a code of practice which the government has been working on in conjunction with the British Horse Society,” says the Baroness.

“We’re aiming to make a lot more information about ragwort available to people, as it really is a fiendish nuisance. We want to give more advice on getting rid of ragwort to different public bodies and landowners.

“With all the European Union regulations, it’s easy to become confused about what sprays can be used and where, so we want to make sure people have updates on sprays and their dangers.”

Helen Owens of the BHS adds: “The code of practice sets out a minimum standard which people must adhere to. If, for example, a case came to court in which a horse had died from ragwort poisoning and people had not met the standard, there would be more room to prosecute them with the backing of this Bill.”

The ragwort cause is particularly relevant to the Baroness as she has been involved with horses all her life, despite breaking her back in a point-to-point in 1958. She now owns a Highland Pony Stud in Yorkshire, having been given her first Highland pony by her brother as a wedding present in 1959.

“I have seen ragwort increase over the years,” the Baroness says. “I hope this Bill will bring the quantities down again. It’s dangerous to cattle and sheep too and, though a lot of people know ragwort is poisonous when it’s dead, not everyone realises it is harmful when it’s alive too.

“Another important point is that people need to protect themselves. They should wear rubber gloves and cover their skin when pulling the plant up, and it’s not the easiest thing to pull up either, as the roots are locked in the ground. It’s an all-round menace.”

The Bill was sponsored in the Commons by John Greenway MP, and has all party support. It is expected to return to the Commons almost immediately.

“We’re on a tight schedule so I’m hoping there will be no amendments,” says the Baroness. “We want to get this through before this session of Parliament ends, so it will be law by the beginning of next year.”

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A breakthrough in veterinarian research has been pioneered at the University of Liverpool, which could seriously reduce the number of equine deaths from ragwort poisoning.

Dr Derek Knottenbelt has developed a test, which detects tiny amounts of the poisonous weed in an animal’s blood, to allow owners to monitor if the poison has entered their horses’ system.

Ragwort is currently such a harmful plant when ingested because symptoms only become apparent once the level of poisoning is high, by which time the animal is usually beyond treatment.

Dr Knottenbelt is hoping that this new test will be preventative, as once small traces are detected in a horse or pony, the animal can be moved, and its environment closely monitored.

According to Dr Knottenbelt, the test will provide an easier way of checking where hay is contaminated with ragwort. “We visualise that the test will be used on a random sample of horses in a yard every 6 – 12 weeks or so,” he said.

“If evidence of the toxin is found in any of the samples, the hay or grazing must be examined for ragwort.

“This test will be a preventative measure that will let owners know their horses are eating ragwort. The affected feed can then be destroyed and appropriate changes in the diet can be made,” he continued.

It is hoped that the test will be available for public use by the end of the year.

The Ragwort Trust, set up by Dr Knottenbelt, is now trying to raise £80,000 to continue the research.

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