Owners sought for equine grass sickness research

Cases of equine grass sickness (EGS) peak between April and July, and researchers are looking for horse owners to help them investigate the potentially fatal disease.

Scientists at the University of London are looking for owners whose horses have suffered from EGS or who live in an area where there have been outbreaks in the past.

The research project — run by the university’s centre for pharmacognosy and phytotherapy — is looking at the potential causes of equine grass sickness.

Little is known about the disease, though clear links have been made to some elements of the horse’s diet — either in the food or water.

Signs include intestinal problems and can be fatal.

EGS — also known as dysautonomia — most commonly affects horses aged between two and seven.

For more information or to take part, email: equinegrass@googlemail.com or tel: 020 77535846

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now