If you own horses or are involved in the day-to-day running of a paddock, you’re probably aware of the dangers of ragwort. If not, it’s about time you became aware – it can be fatal!
In the UK, the most common form of horse poisoning is due to ragwort ingestion. So, this is one perilous plant you won’t want to have on your land.
Find out about the dangers of ragwort and, more importantly, how to get rid of ragwort to prevent poisoning in horses.
What is Ragwort Poisoning in Horses
Also known as Senecio jacobea, ragwort is a common weed that crops up from early spring, characterised by bright yellow flowers with ragged edges.
Ragwort to horses is like chocolate to dogs: ragwort is toxic to horses and can have a quick and debilitating effect on a horse’s health.
How to Spot Ragwort Poisoning in Horses
The results of ragwort poisoning in horses can be spotted early due to weight loss, even if the horse is eating normally.
Other ragwort poisoning symptoms in horses include:
- Jaundice (a yellow tinge in the gums and eyes)
- Photosensitisation (skin inflammation)
- Neurological signs such as head pressing, loss of coordination, seizures, unexplained aggression and continuous circling
Ragwort attacks the horse’s liver and can cause the horse to go blind if not treated. This can eventually result in collapse and even death.
What’s more, under the Animal Welfare Act, landowners can face hefty fines and even imprisonment if they allow ragwort to grow on grazing areas.
How to Get Rid of Ragwort: Paddock Spraying
At Lawn & Weed Expert, we can keep your land clear of ragwort efficiently and effectively, helping you to keep your horses fit and healthy. We do this through paddock spraying, which is an effective form of ragwort treatment.
Our comprehensive ragwort treatment doesn’t just eradicate the visible portion of the weed, we tackle the weed right down to the ground and beyond.
Using specialist weed control products that aren’t readily available to the general public, our team of weed removal experts are fully equipped to handle any ragwort worries you may have.
Better still, our ragwort treatment methods can not only kill and remove the ragwort from your property, but it can also improve the quality of the grazing area, controlling other weeds at the same time.
So, what are you waiting for? Get rid of ragwort today with our effective paddock spraying ragwort treatment.
For more information on ragwort control and equestrian paddock spraying, why not drop us a line today? Call now on 0800 111 4958 or click the button below to request a FREE survey today!
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