THE BRITISH HORSE SOCIETY SOUTH WEST - WELFARE ISSUES

The BHS Welfare Department has called on all horse owners to help in the fight against Laminitis. Laminitis is a serious and very painful condition that can affect any type of horse, pony or donkey at any time and is particularly common at this time of year when spring grass is coming through.

Helen Owens, the BHS's Welfare Senior Executive, said: "Preventing Laminitis is always better than trying manage it. Overweight animals are thought to be one of the groups at highest risk of developing Laminitis. Therefore a management regime which includes diet and weight control is essential."

Spring grass is often high in nutrients and grows rapidly. Therefore grazing may need to be restricted at this time. It is difficult for riders to estimate the volume of grass their horses ingest and, quite often, it is more than required which may result in bloating and weight problems. This in turn could increase the risk of the onset of Laminitis. Prompt action may help reduce the severity of this painful condition. If riders suspect their horse, pony or donkey may be suffering with Laminitis, they should contact their veterinary surgeon immediately.

For a free advisory leaflet about the Prevention and Management of Laminitis, please send an SAE to the BHS Welfare Department or visit the BHS Website: www.bhs.org.uk

For further information contact the BHS Welfare Department on 01926 707839 or email [email protected]

For further information, please contact: Helen Owens, Senior Executive Welfare, or Chris Doran, Senior Executive Approvals, The British Horse Society, 01926 707804 or 01926 707794 / or [email protected]

Why is Ragwort dangerous?
The weed Ragwort contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that are highly toxic to horses, cattle, sheep and other grazing animals and can be ingested either by direct grazing or in dried forage (hay etc).

How does it harm horses?
The toxins accumulate to destroy the liver.

What are the symptoms?
Clinical symptoms do not appear until the liver is 76% damaged, by which time the only option is to have the animal humanely destroyed.
Clinical symptoms include blindness, loss of coordination and sensitivity to light.

How many horses die from Ragwort poisoning in the UK?
Dr Derek Knottenbelt of the University of Liverpool estimated that 500 horses died from Ragwort poisoning in 2000, increasing to 1,000 in 2001. Without a post mortem on every horse that dies it is not possible to accurately quote fatality figures. A BHS survey conducted in May 2003 in conjunction with the British Equine Veterinary Association showed that 84 vets had dealt with 283 known or suspected cases of Ragwort poisoning in 2002.

What is being done to control Ragwort in the UK?
The Ragwort Control Act 2003 applies to England and Wales. It complements the Weeds Act 1959 in which Common Ragwort is named as one of the five injurious weeds to be controlled.

In 2002, the BHS sponsored a Private Members Bill, the Ragwort Control, led by John Greenway MP (Con, Ryedale). The Ragwort Control Act 2003, which became enforceable in February this year, provides for a Code of Practice to be laid before Parliament. The Code, also initiated by the BHS and which has evidential status, was laid before Parliament on Thursday 1 July 2004, following extensive consultation with a number of interested organisations including the BHS, NFU, Highways Agency, Network Rail, Local Government Authority, English Nature, National Trust and Butterfly Conservation. The Code of Practice was presented at the Royal Show on 4 July 2004 and is for England only. Wales is producing its own code.

How will the Ragwort Control Act 2003 be enforced?
Responses to BHS enquiries with local authorities have revealed that all are fully aware of the need to control Ragwort where it poses a risk to grazing animals or the production of dried forage such as hay. All are making use of the Code of Practice to form their Ragwort control policies but say that often, they have problems with adjoining property where Ragwort is allowed to spread. Some authorities and highways contractors have actively campaigned in support of Ragwort Action Week; providing Ragwort hotlines, arranging Ragwort education and pulling days and supporting volunteer groups. BHS Oxfordshire has been out with a team of workers, their bright yellow signs adorning vehicles to advise other road users of their presence and what they are doing. Organiser Dinah Harris says that several drivers stop and ask for information. "We keen a supply of our Ragwort information leaflets in the vehicles for just this purpose; it's a good way to educate people about Ragwort."

Horse owners and members of the public are asked to help by:

1) Notifiying local authorities, the Highways Agency and Network Rail of Ragwort that is posing a risk

2) Providing any information they may have on adjoining landowners.

The BHS 'Complete Horse & Pony Care', published by Collins, was launched at the BHS stand at Badminton on 6th May. The book provides a wealth of up-to-date information on every aspect of horse care - from basic stable management, handling, diet and health care to preventing common injuries. The book aims to help novice riders and owners, and those who want to learn more about caring for horses, and it is comprehensive and appealing in its approach.
The BHS commitment to horse welfare and the ethos that 'prevention is better than cure' are reflected in the fact that this book will help horse owners identify, understand and implement key aspects of horse care. Areas covered include choosing a horse or pony, housing and handling your horse, grass management, safety and equipment, grooming and shoeing, feeding and diet, exercising and transporting your horse, showing and competitions and equine health.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR COPY FROM THE BHS BOOKSHOP

The British Horse Society Bookshop - TELEPHONE 01926 707762

www.britishhorse.com
www.bhs.org.uk