Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 15th September 2017
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Storm Aileen prompts atypical myopathy warning
Atypical myopathy is caused by the toxin hypoglycin A, found in sycamore seeds.

Horse owners urged to take extra precautions

In the aftermath of storm Aileen, horse owners are being urged to take extra precautions to keep their horses safe from Seasonal Pasture Myopathy (SPM).

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) says that after the major storms of 2014, there was a ‘big spike’ in cases of the disease, also known as atypical myopathy.

BEVA believes that high winds may cause sycamore seeds to fall earlier than usual this year. As such, the organisation has issued advice to horse owners to help them identify sycamore trees on or near grazing land and prevent the seeds falling where horses can reach them.

“In 2014 we saw a big spike in Seasonal Pasture Myopathy in the aftermath of storms hitting the UK. It’s a terrible condition that can be fatal despite treatment,” said Mark Bowen, senior vice president of BEVA.

“It’s easier to spot the sycamore’s maple-shaped leaves now while they are still on trees. Otherwise the seeds may be confused with ash keys. It’s best to speak to your vet for practical advice on how to keep your horse safe.”

Highly fatal in horses, SPM is a muscle disease caused by the toxin hypoglycin A, which is found in sycamore seeds.

While not directly palatable to horses, sycamore seeds can be ingested by horses when they are grazing on poor quality pasture. Equines most susceptible to SPM are kept in sparse pastures with an abundance of dead sycamore leaves, dead wood and no access to supplementary hay or feed.

To reduce the risk of their horses contracting SPM this season, horse owners are advised to:

  • Ideally move horses off pasture at times of risk

  • Restrict access to seeds by using temporary fencing

  • Ensure horses have access to good quality uncontaminated pasture

  • Provide consistent access to clean, palatable hay or haylage to minimise the risk of horses being tempted to ingest seeds

  • Do not fell trees, since doing so can lead to massive pasture contamination, further increasing the risks to horses

  • Discuss the risks and how to identify early clinical signs of SPM with your veterinary surgeon

  • Be aware that a field without sycamore trees can still contain seeds spread by high winds or flood water.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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 1 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.