Ragwort
Ragwort – A Deadly Killer
It is approaching spring and for many horse owners this brings the worrying sight of the bright yellow ragwort plant. Ragwort contains toxins which if ingested in sufficient quantities by horses can lead to liver poisoning and even death.
Ragwort poisoning symptoms include bizarre or depressed behaviour, weight loss, impaired vision, abdominal pain and convulsions. It can take up to 6 months after ingestion for these symptoms to occur.
If you are ever worried your horse may be suffering from Ragwort poisoning contact your vet without delay.
To avoid problems put a ragwort management plan in place on your land or paddock areas from April to August every year.
A few pointers and advice:
- Try not overstock your paddock as this leads to soil damage that provides an ideal environment for ragwort to live in.
- The best method to control ragwort is to pull the plant out from the roots and then dispose of safely – not on the muckheap where seeds can lay dormant.
- Buy a ‘Rag Fork’ from your nearest stockist to make the job of pulling the plant easier.
- Why not host a ragwort pulling party, get a few friends round to give you a hand before rewarding them for their efforts with food, drinks or a riding lesson.
- Cutting can prevent reseeding but does not kill the plants.
- Herbicides can be used if you enlist the help of a qualified contractor however application needs to be selective.
- Don’t forget that ragwort is still poisonous when dead and so if you are making hay or haylage from your pasture make sure the dead plants are removed as a horse may be poisoned this way.
- As an owner or an occupier of a paddock or land, you are responsible for removing ragwort.
For more information refer to the DEFRA Code of Practice on How to Prevent the Spread of Ragwort.
Louise.