Here at Barnstaple Equestrian Supplies we have produced a blog for you about The Dangers of Ragwort to help you understand the effect of Ragwort for your horse or pony. 

The Dangers of Ragwort Ragwort is a common weed that grows on wasteland, road verges and railway embankments with distinctive bushy yellow flowers and rosette leaves. The Dangers of Ragwort

The Dangers of Ragwort Due to its bitter taste, most horses won’t immediately choose to eat ragwort if it's growing among their grazing – but this isn’t a guarantee. Horses will eat ragwort if nothing else is available, accidentally or where parts of the plant have wilted and become palatable. Ragwort loses its bitter taste if it’s cut, dried and found in forage, for example, hay, but it doesn’t lose any of its toxicity and still remains a danger. Therefore, it's advised to remove all elements of ragwort from land used to graze horses or forage production, including when it's dead and dried. The Dangers of Ragwort

The Dangers of Ragwort, Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) is poisonous to horses because it contains toxic compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These alkaloids are harmful to the liver when ingested, leading to a condition known as hepatotoxicity. Here's how it affects horses: The Dangers of Ragwort

1. Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs): These compounds, found in ragwort, are metabolized by the liver into toxic substances. Over time, these toxins cause liver cells to die and be replaced by scar tissue.
2. Cumulative Toxicity: The danger with ragwort is cumulative. Horses may consume small amounts of the plant over time without immediate effects, but the damage to the liver builds up, leading to chronic liver failure. Symptoms may not appear until significant liver damage has occurred.
3. Symptoms of Poisoning: Once a horse has ingested a toxic amount of ragwort, symptoms of liver failure may include weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), behavioral changes, lack of coordination, and photosensitivity (sensitivity to light).
4. Lack of Treatment: There is no specific antidote for ragwort poisoning, making prevention crucial. Once significant liver damage has occurred, the prognosis for the horse is poor.
5. Palatability: Fresh ragwort is not particularly palatable to horses, but it becomes more dangerous when dried and mixed in with hay, as horses are more likely to eat it when it's less recognizable. The Dangers of Ragwort

The Dangers of Ragwort To protect horses, it's important to control ragwort in pastures and ensure that hay and feed are free of this toxic plant.

The Dangers of Ragwort Removing ragwort from the ground effectively involves a combination of physical removal, proper disposal, and preventive measures to prevent it from regrowing. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Timing of Removal:

• Early Summer: The best time to remove ragwort is before it flowers and sets seed, typically in early summer. At this stage, the plant is easier to control, and there's less risk of spreading seeds. The Dangers of Ragwort

• Avoid Late Summer: If you remove ragwort after it has flowered and produced seeds, be careful as disturbing the plant can cause seeds to spread. The Dangers of Ragwort

Physical Removing:

• Manual Pulling: For small infestations, pull the plants by hand. Wear gloves to protect your skin, as the plant’s toxins can be absorbed through the skin. Ensure you remove the entire root to prevent regrowth. The Dangers of Ragwort

• Ragwort Fork: Use a ragwort fork or a similar tool to dig out the roots, especially if the ground is hard. These tools are designed to remove the whole root system with minimal soil disturbance. The Dangers of Ragwort

• Cutting: If you cannot pull the plants, you can cut them down to ground level. However, this should be followed up by herbicide treatment or repeated cutting, as cutting alone can lead to regrowth.

Herbicide Application:

• Selective Herbicides: Use a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf plants like ragwort without harming grasses. Common herbicides include those containing 2,4-D or dicamba. The Dangers of Ragwort

• Spot Treatment: Apply the herbicide directly to the plants. This is more effective on younger plants. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and effective use. The Dangers of Ragwort

• Follow-up Treatment: Inspect the area regularly after treatment, as you may need to reapply the herbicide to control regrowth. The Dangers of Ragwort

Proper Disposal:

• Bag and Burn: Place the removed plants in sealed bags and dispose of them properly, such as by burning. Do not compost ragwort, as it can survive the composting process and spread seeds or regrow.

• Incineration: Incineration is the most effective way to ensure that the plant and its seeds are completely destroyed.

Preventative Measures:

• Reseed Bare Patches: After removing ragwort, reseed any bare patches with grass or other ground cover to prevent ragwort from recolonizing the area. The Dangers of Ragwort

• Pasture Management: Maintain a healthy, dense sward in your pastures. Ragwort tends to invade overgrazed or poorly managed fields where the grass is thin.

• Regular Monitoring: Regularly inspect your fields for new ragwort plants, especially in areas where it has previously been a problem. The Dangers of Ragwort

Legal Considerations:

• Local Regulations: Be aware of any local regulations regarding ragwort removal, as it is considered a noxious weed in many areas, and you may be legally required to control it. The Dangers of Ragwort

The Dangers of Ragwort By combining these methods, you can effectively control and remove ragwort from your land, reducing the risk it poses to horses and other livestock.

The Dangers of Ragwort If you suspect that a horse has been poisoned by ragwort, it's crucial to act quickly, as the toxins can cause serious and often irreversible liver damage. Here's what to do: The Dangers of Ragwort

Recognise the symptoms:

• Weight Loss: Gradual, unexplained weight loss despite normal or increased food intake. The Dangers of Ragwort

• Jaundice: Yellowing of the eyes, gums, and skin. Dangers of Ragwort

• Behavioral Changes: Lethargy, depression, or unusual behavior.

• Photosensitivity: Sensitivity to sunlight, leading to sunburn-like symptoms, especially on areas of thin or light-colored skin. The Dangers of Ragwort

• Neurological Signs: Incoordination, stumbling, and disorientation.

• Liver Failure Symptoms: Loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, and dark urine. Dangers of Ragwort

Immediate Actions:

• Remove the Horse from the Source: If you find ragwort in the horse's environment, remove the horse from that area immediately to prevent further ingestion.

• Contact a Veterinarian: Call your veterinarian as soon as possible. Inform them of the possible ragwort ingestion and describe the symptoms you're observing. The Dangers of Ragwort

Veterinary Examination and Diagnosis: 

• Blood Tests: The vet will likely perform blood tests to assess liver function. Elevated liver enzymes are a common sign of liver damage.

• Liver Biopsy: In some cases, a liver biopsy may be necessary to confirm the extent of the damage. The Dangers of Ragwort

• Clinical Signs: The vet will assess the horse’s symptoms and physical condition to determine the severity of the poisoning.

Treatment:

• Supportive Care: Treatment for ragwort poisoning primarily involves supportive care, as there is no specific antidote for the toxins.

  • Intravenous Fluids: To support liver function and prevent dehydration.

  • Dietary Management: The vet may recommend a special diet low in protein and high in carbohydrates to reduce the strain on the liver.

  • Liver Supplements: Some liver support supplements may be prescribed to help the liver detoxify and regenerate.

• Monitoring: The horse will need to be closely monitored for any changes in condition, as liver failure can worsen rapidly. The Dangers of Ragwort

Prognosis:

• Depends on Severity: The prognosis depends on the extent of liver damage. If the poisoning is caught early and the damage is not severe, the horse may recover with proper care. The Dangers of Ragwort

• Chronic Liver Failure: If the horse has ingested significant amounts of ragwort over time, leading to chronic liver failure, the prognosis is often poor. In such cases, the focus may shift to managing symptoms and providing palliative care.

Preventative Measures:

• Inspect Pastures and Hay: Regularly check pastures for ragwort and ensure that hay and feed are free of the plant.

• Educate: Make sure all people involved in the care of your horse are aware of the risks of ragwort and how to identify it. The Dangers of Ragwort

• Pasture Management: Maintain healthy, well-managed pastures to reduce the likelihood of ragwort growth. The Dangers of Ragwort

Long-term Care:

• Regular Veterinary Check-Ups: Even after recovery, horses that have been poisoned by ragwort may require ongoing veterinary care to monitor liver function and overall health.

• Dietary Adjustments: Long-term dietary changes may be needed to support liver health. The Dangers of Ragwort

Consider Euthanasia (in severe cases):

• Quality of Life: In cases of severe, irreversible liver damage where the horse is suffering and unlikely to recover, euthanasia may be considered as the most humane option. The Dangers of Ragwort

The Dangers of Ragwort Ragwort poisoning is serious, so early detection, veterinary intervention, and preventive measures are key to protecting your horse's health.

The Dangers of Ragwort