Ragwort - Click here to view video clip
Ragwort is one of five injurious weeds covered by the provisions of The Weeds Act 1959. Ragwort is poisonous to horses, ponies, donkeys and other livestock, and causes liver damage, which can have potentially fatal consequences. 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.
. 
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF RAGWORT POISONING IN HORSES?
The clinical effects of ragwort poisoning on horses include:
Loss of condition (weight loss, dull coat, depression), poor appetite and constipation, photosensitisation (sunburn) and sometimes jaundice.
Terminal Signs: nervous signs develop, restlessness and aimless uncoordinated movement.
Animals may appear blind, pressing heads against solid objects, abnormal gait and stance.
Most affected animals die after a period of illness varying from a week to several months.
Click here to view a VIDEO CLIP of a horse suffering from ragwort poisoning, reproduced with the kind permission of Liverpool University.
More pictures coming soon.
For further information regarding Ragwort, the clinical signs, how to recognise ragwort in all its stages and and how to eradicate the weed click here.
The adoption of the Ragwort Control Act on 20 November 2003 marks an important step forward in the protection of equine welfare. The new Act, which amends the Weeds Act, will give added protection to horses, as well as other animals from the serious and sometimes fatal consequences of Ragwort poisoning. The Act, which was sponsored by The British Horse Society, originated as a Private Member’s Bill, and was presented to Parliament by John Greenway MP. The Government gave its backing to the Bill, and welcomes its successful passage through Parliament. The Act came into force on 20 February 2004.
The Ragwort Control Act enables the Secretary of State to make a Code of Practice to prevent the spread of Ragwort. Rural Affairs Minister and Minister for the Horse, Alun Michael, launched the Code of Practice on How to Prevent the Spread of Ragwort at the Royal Show on 4 July 2004. By promoting good practice and good neighbourliness the code aims to reduce significantly the risk posed by ragwort poisoning to horses and other animals. The Code is particularly relevant for large scale organisations, including local authorities and public bodies.
The Code provides comprehensive guidance on how to develop a strategic and more cost-effective approach to weed control. It give advice on:
-
Identification of Common Ragwort
-
Risk assessment and priorities for ragwort control
-
Control methods their suitability and efficacy
-
Environmental considerations
-
Health and safety issues.
The Code does not seek to eradicate ragwort, and it is important to remember that where there is no threat to animal welfare, Common Ragwort makes an important contribution to the biodiversity of the countryside.
Under the Ragwort Control Act, the Code will be admissible in enforcement proceedings under the Weeds Act, which will make it easier to prosecute those who disregard the need to control Ragwort. Similarly, those who have followed the guidance laid down in the Code, would be able to use this in their defence in any Court proceedings.
Effective disposal of ragwort is a key factor in control. Cut and pulled flowering ragwort plants may still set seed and ragwort has a 70% seed germination rate. All parts of the ragwort plant remain toxic and harmful to animals when treated or wilted.
Defra has produced a Guidance Note to supplement the Code of Practice and provide more detailed advice on the disposal options for common ragwort.
For further information about ragwort and other injurious weeds click on The Weeds Act 1959.
More coming soon - please visit us again
