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First cases of seasonal poisoning confirmed
sycamore seeds
SPM is caused by the toxin hypoglycin A, which is contained in sycamore seeds.
Sycamore seeds warning issued
 
UK vets are seeing this year's first confirmed cases of seasonal pasture myopathy (SPM) - a fatal muscle disease of horses, caused by consumption of sycamore seeds.

As the autumn winds carry the seeds down into pastures, BVA and BEVA are urging horse owners to take the necessary precautions.

BVA president Sean Wensley said: "SPM is a disease that is extremely distressing for both the animal and the owner of the horse affected.

"BVA is working closely with our colleagues in BEVA, who deal with the aftermath of sycamore poisoning in horses all too often throughout the autumn, to ensure we get timely advice to owners to prevent their animals suffering in this way."

Until recently the origin of SPM was unknown. Research in 2013-14 found the source to be the toxin hypoglycin A, which is contained in sycamore tree seeds.

High winds during autumn last year caused significant contamination of pastures with sycamore seeds. In fact, data from the National Equine Health Survey shows owners reported a four-fold increase in SPM cases in 2014.

BEVA's president Mark Bowen said: "In the last two years our understanding of this awful condition in horses has increased considerably.

"We now know that sycamore seeds contains the highly toxic agents that cause SPM and this means there are practical things that we can advise owners to do that minimise the risk to their animals."

Generally horses that develop SPM are kept in sparse pastures with a build up of dead leaves, dead wood and trees, without any supplementary hay or feed.

The seeds are not thought to be palatable but horses may ingest considerable numbers if they are left to graze on poor quality pasture.

For tips on preventing SPM, visit: http://www.bva.co.uk/News-campaigns-and-policy/Newsroom/News-releases/Vets-warn-horse-owners-fatal-sycamore-poisoning/

 

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 8 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.