There is a real and present danger facing all owners of equines. It is a disease called Atypical Myopathy and it is usually fatal unless treated immediately. That is the stark reality. Anyone with horses in their care can prevent this happening if they take certain precautions. Symptoms are generally those often associated with colic.

Rather than go through a range of recommendations here I will simply refer you to the Hands On column in last week’s paper (page A47) when two of our preeminent veterinary surgeons, Peadar O’Scanaill and Michael Sadlier, presented the facts of Atypical Myopathy in a concise and easy to read article. You can read the column by visiting theirishfield.ie and searching for the name of the disease. The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association is holding an evening on Wednesday at Palmerstown House, beside Goffs, where this matter will be addressed, along with the issue of strangles. It is important that you contact the ITBA to let them know you will attend and details are available on the itba.ie website.