A vet in Dumfries and Galloway has reported an outbreak of equine grass sickness, saying it has already led to “multiple losses” of animals in the area.

Machars Veterinary Services, based in Wigtown, said this year’s “unusual weather conditions” may have contributed to the outbreak, and urged horse owners to familiarise themselves with the condition.

In a post on social media, the vet said: “Attention all horse owners: we are currently dealing with an ‘outbreak’ of grass sickness locally with multiple losses.

“Grass sickness is a disease of horses and ponies which causes paralysis of the digestive system.

“Sadly, it is inevitably fatal once symptoms develop, with no vaccine or effective treatment.

“Cases in south-west Scotland are usually very rare, however we believe the unusual weather conditions this year may have predisposed to the development of the disease.

“It is not a contagious disease, however it is not uncommon to see multiple horses affected on the same premises, and/or pockets of disease within an area.”

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The vet urged horse owners in the area to consider whether reducing grazing times might be appropriate for their animals.

The Equine Grass Sickness Fund (EGSF), a charity set up to fund research into the disease, said there have been cases of the disease throughout the UK.

“Unfortunately we have started to see an influx of equine grass sickness cases following a period of changeable weather,” it said in a post on social media on Thursday.

“Cases have been seen throughout the whole of the UK, so we would like to remind owners that EGS does not discriminate, and can affect racehorses and family Shetland ponies alike.

“If you suspect your horse has symptoms of grass sickness then call your vet ASAP.”.

Source: Read the original article on www.heraldscotland.com

Written by https://futureknowledge.in/