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Atypical myopathy season approaching
sycamore seeds
SPM is caused by the toxin hypoglycin A, which is contained in the seeds of sycamore trees.
BEVA urges owners to identify nearby sycamore trees
 
Horse owners are being urged to minimise the risk of seasonal pasture myopathy (SPM) by identifying any sycamore trees in or near pasture.

SPM, previously termed atypical myopathy, is a fatal muscle disease in horses. Recent research uncovered the cause of the disease to be the toxin hypoglycin A, which is contained in the seeds of sycamore trees.

Now is the ideal time of year to look for the trees, as they will be in full leaf and seeds are clearly visible.

Mark Bowen, president elect of the BEVA, said: "We are urging horse owners to be prepared in 2015 to try and reduce the impact of this devastating condition."

Last autumn, high winds resulted in significant contamination of pastures with sycamore seeds. According to data from the National Equine Health Survey, there was a four-fold increase in cases of SPM.

Mr Bowen advised horse owners to resist the urge to fell the trees: "Doing so can lead to massive pasture contamination, further increasing the risks to their horses."

Sycamore seeds are not thought to be directly palatable, but horses grazing on poor quality pasture may ingest a considerable number. Horses diagnosed with SPM have usually been kept in sparse pastures without any supplementary hay or feed in their diets.

BEVA urges owners to take the following steps to protect their horses:
  • Restrict access to seeds by using temporary fencing
  • Ensure horses have access to good quality uncontaminated pasture
  • Move horses off pasture at times of risk
  • Provide supplementary feed in the field to minimise the risk of horses being tempted to ingest seeds
  • Avoid leaving wet hay on the ground where it will rot
  • Discuss the risks and how to identify early clinical signs of AM with your veterinary surgeon
  • Being aware that a field without sycamore trees can still contain seeds spread by high winds or flood water

Image courtesy of BEVA

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.