News stories
Joining forces to fight the flowers!
Redwings are uniting with another local horse charity in the fight against ragwort.
Redwings and World Horse Welfare, also based in Norfolk, are joining forces to encourage landowners to take action against this deadly plant, which is highly poisonous to horses and yet seems to be growing rife across the UK.
This Summer's mixture of sunshine and showers has provided the ideal growing climate and it is now spreading across fields and roadsides at an alarming rate.
A horse that eats ragwort can suffer liver damage as a result, in the most extreme cases symptoms include blindness, disorientation and even death and this damage can be done after ongoing consumption of even small amounts of the deadly plant. Once symptoms appear there is rarely anything that can be done.
Ragwort in its seedling state can be hard to spot
Tony Tyler, World Horse Welfare’s Deputy Chief Executive, says: “This plant is a hooligan which spreads incredibly quickly; the moment it flowers around 200,000 seeds are released, which immediately means it is out of control. Landowners and horse owners need to stay vigilant to prevent problems.”
Redwings Senior Veterinary Surgeon Nicky Jarvis says: “Our staff work hard to keep ragwort under control at our sites to protect all our resident equines from its potentially lethal effects. We would ask anyone who finds ragwort on their land to remove it as soon as possible. If you are not sure how to do that then please don’t hesitate to contact DEFRA or telephone our Welfare Helpline on 01508 481008 for advice.”
Under the Weeds Act 1959 the Secretary of State may serve an enforcement notice on the occupier of land on which injurious weeds are growing, requiring the occupier to take action to prevent the spread of injurious weeds. The Weeds Act specifies five injurious weeds, including Common Ragwort.
Ragwort in full flower
“We currently have a number of young horses in our care that have developed severe liver disease,” continued Nicky, “which we believe was a direct result of their exposure to ragwort before they were rescued. Although they may recover some liver function, they often suffer long-term weight loss and skin problems and whilst we will do everything we can for them while they are in our care, the sad fact is that their lives may be tragically cut short as a result.”
World Horse Welfare and Redwings are urging communities to work together to rid fields and roads of ragwort. Bearing in mind seeds are airborne, a field of ragwort that is not even adjoining grazing animals still poses a very real threat, particularly in areas with a high population of horses.
Please remember that ragwort is poisonous to humans, so anyone removing plants should wear gloves and dust masks, and follow official advice on disposing of the plants by visiting www.defra.gov.uk.
For more information about Ragwort, its effects and how to remove it, view the Welfare section of our website.
