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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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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.