Horse owners in south-west Scotland have been urged to remain vigilant after vets reported multiple cases of equine grass sickness, with several animals having died from the disease.
Machars Veterinary Services, based in Wigtown, said it was currently dealing with a local outbreak of grass sickness and had seen multiple losses.
The practice said cases of the disease were usually rare in south-west Scotland, but suggested this year’s unusual weather conditions could have contributed to the current situation.
In a warning to horse owners, the practice said grass sickness causes paralysis of the digestive system and can be fatal.
It added that the disease is not contagious, although it is not uncommon for multiple horses to be affected on the same premises or for clusters of cases to occur within a particular area.
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The practice urged owners to familiarise themselves with the signs of grass sickness and consider whether reducing the amount of time their horses spend grazing would be appropriate.
The Equine Grass Sickness Fund (EGSF) has also warned horse owners to remain alert, saying cases have recently been reported across the UK.
The charity said grass sickness can affect horses and ponies of all types, from racehorses to family ponies, and urged owners who suspect their horse may be showing symptoms to contact their vet immediately.
Horse owners can also access the EGSF’s case location information and weather app to monitor reported cases and local conditions.
The cause of equine grass sickness remains unknown, despite decades of research.
Almost all affected horses have access to grass, while prolonged grazing is considered one of a number of potential risk factors.
The disease has a long history in Scotland, with the first recorded outbreak dating back to around 1907.
Cases increased significantly during the 1920s, when hundreds of horses, particularly draught animals, were reported to die from the disease each year.
The EGSF continues to collect information on cases to support research into the causes and risk factors associated with grass sickness. Owners can find out more about the charity’s biobank and how information and samples are used to support research.
Horse owners in the Galloway area are being advised to seek veterinary advice promptly if they notice signs of the disease.
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