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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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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.