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Atypical myopathy season approaching
sycamore seeds
SPM is caused by the toxin hypoglycin A, which is contained in the seeds of sycamore trees.
BEVA urges owners to identify nearby sycamore trees
 
Horse owners are being urged to minimise the risk of seasonal pasture myopathy (SPM) by identifying any sycamore trees in or near pasture.

SPM, previously termed atypical myopathy, is a fatal muscle disease in horses. Recent research uncovered the cause of the disease to be the toxin hypoglycin A, which is contained in the seeds of sycamore trees.

Now is the ideal time of year to look for the trees, as they will be in full leaf and seeds are clearly visible.

Mark Bowen, president elect of the BEVA, said: "We are urging horse owners to be prepared in 2015 to try and reduce the impact of this devastating condition."

Last autumn, high winds resulted in significant contamination of pastures with sycamore seeds. According to data from the National Equine Health Survey, there was a four-fold increase in cases of SPM.

Mr Bowen advised horse owners to resist the urge to fell the trees: "Doing so can lead to massive pasture contamination, further increasing the risks to their horses."

Sycamore seeds are not thought to be directly palatable, but horses grazing on poor quality pasture may ingest a considerable number. Horses diagnosed with SPM have usually been kept in sparse pastures without any supplementary hay or feed in their diets.

BEVA urges owners to take the following steps to protect their horses:
  • Restrict access to seeds by using temporary fencing
  • Ensure horses have access to good quality uncontaminated pasture
  • Move horses off pasture at times of risk
  • Provide supplementary feed in the field to minimise the risk of horses being tempted to ingest seeds
  • Avoid leaving wet hay on the ground where it will rot
  • Discuss the risks and how to identify early clinical signs of AM with your veterinary surgeon
  • Being aware that a field without sycamore trees can still contain seeds spread by high winds or flood water

Image courtesy of BEVA

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.