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Horses to get help with Equine Grass Sickness

A survey conducted by the Animal Health Trust (AHT), the Universities of Edinburgh and Liverpool and the Equine Grass Sickness Fund is asking horse owners and vets to share information in the first equine grass sickness survey.

Equine grass sickness (EGS) is an incurable disease which is usually fatal that was first discovered in 1907. Researchers are hoping the survey will help provide information to build an accurate picture of the impact of EGS and also contribute towards developing a vaccine for the disease in the future.

Most EGS cases develop between April and June and are almost exclusively found in horses that are exposed to grass. The cause is unknown, however it is indicated that a toxin is responsible due to damage found in the nervous system.

The researchers are appealing to anyone with experience of their horses suffering with EGS, and inform us that signs can include patchy sweating, shivering, constipation, reflux of fluid from the nose and rapid weight loss.

If you do have experience of a horse that has suffered from equine grass sickness, please help by completing the survey here. More information can be found on EGS here.

To reduce the amount of grass horses are exposed to, a sensible addition to your stable or field shelter would be a heavy-duty open holed 100% rubber stable mat.

Nearly an inch thick in height, the durable bedding structure can withstand extreme outdoor temperatures and icy conditions. Keep your horse safe and invest in a mat that can make a difference to their health for under fifty quid.

For more options, visit www.stable-mats.com.

Tags: equine grass sickness, rubber stable mat, survey, symptoms