OVER 100 horses are thought to have died in Ireland during the exceptionally mild autumn in 2014 due to sycamore seed poisoning, also known as equine atypical myopathy.

There has been no such crisis this year though the first cases of equine atypical myopathy has been observed in the UK. This is a potentially fatal disease, therefore horse owners need to take the relevant precautions.

MANAGEMENT

  • Avoid over-grazing of pastures
  • Feed additional forage
  • Limit turnout to less than 12 hours per day during autumn and early spring
  • If feasible, remove horses from pastures where sycamore or other maple trees are growing during the risk period

    • SYMPTOMS

  • Horses lying down
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Weakness
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Laboured breathing
  • Sweating
  • Black-red colour in the urine

    • ADVICE

    Initial signs can be mistaken for colic and the disease has a rapid progression, killing up to 90% of affected horses within 48 hours. If you have any suspicion that your horse might be suffering from sycamore poisoning call your vet immediately.