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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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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."