Ragwort poisoning is serious and ultimately fatal in horses and ponies. Horse owners and yard managers should aim to prevent horses from eating any ragwort. This guide outlines how to identify ragwort and remove it safely and effectively.
Ragwort contains toxins that cause liver damage. The effects of ragwort poisoning build up over time, ultimately leading to irreversible damage and potentially death. Even small amounts of ragwort consumed over a period of several years can be fatal.
Some people believe that “a little bit won’t hurt” or “my horse won’t eat the ragwort because it has plenty of grass”. However, it is vital that you do not allow your horse to consume any ragwort for several reasons:
Horse owners, yard owners and landowners also have certain legal obligations surrounding the management of harmful weeds. For example, allowing horses or ponies to graze on land where you know ragwort is present is a welfare concern and you can be prosecuted if you allow animals to suffer by eating harmful weeds. You can find out more on the government website.
Ragwort is characterised by its flat-topped clusters of yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom between June and November. The plant can grow to a height of 3ft (90cm), with dark green leaves that can be up to 35cm long. The leaves form a distinctive rosette at the base of the plant - these rosettes are visible even when the plant is very young, long before it flowers.
Ragwort is usually biennial, meaning it lives for two years and flowers in its second year. So, don’t just rely on the yellow flowers to identify the plant. Young ragwort plants are still toxic, and they can be easier to remove and control at this stage. Furthermore, ragwort remains toxic even after it dies, so it is important to remove any dead plants as well as live ones.
Ragwort must be removed carefully and disposed of properly. Ragwort can be harmful to humans, so it is wise to wear gloves and protect your arms and legs when handling it. You may also want to wear a face mask if you are handling Ragwort that has flowered, because the pollen can also be harmful if inhaled.
If you decide to remove ragwort by pulling it up, you should aim to remove the entire plant, including the roots. This is easiest to do when the plant is a seedling or rosette, and soft ground will also help. You can also purchase specialist ragwort forks, which are designed to help remove the roots.
It is possible to spray the affected area providing you remove the ragwort once it has died. Remember to seek advice on how to use weedkillers safely – you may need to use a specialist contractor. The area must also be rested for a period of time after treatment. Remember to remove all of the ragwort after it has been treated because it is just as toxic once it has died as when it was alive.
Ragwort must be disposed of properly, and Defra has advice on how to do this. Generally, the most effective way to dispose of ragwort is by burning it. However, you should always take precautions around fire safety and consider alternative options if the weather has been especially dry or if there is not a safe area to burn the ragwort.
Ragwort poisoning can result in fatal liver failure - see our guide to the symptoms of ragwort poisoning for more information. If you suspect your horse is suffering from ragwort poisoning, you must call an emergency equine vet immediately. We are an independent equine vet practice offering 24/7 emergency callouts throughout our coverage area. Night or day, you will always see an Avonvale Equine vet, even in an emergency. Register your horse, pony, donkey or mule with us today.
