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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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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.