RAGWORT

Each ragwort plant produces thousands of seeds that are dispersed widely by the wind resulting in the rapid spread of the weed. Seeds can also lie dormant for years before germinating. Therefore, although there may be plenty of grass at present, in future years the potential for the ragwort to spread out of control is certainly inevitable. This also has huge implications for neighbouring landowners who may work hard to keep their animals safe from this toxic plant or grow hay / haylage.

There is also the potential risk of the horse indirectly consuming the plant, for example leaves that have wilted and detached from the weed. It is important to remember that ragwort loses its bitter taste and becomes more palatable to horses if cut or wilted but remains just as poisonous to the horse. Therefore hay and haylage can be common sources of ragwort poisoning if the fields are not kept clear of ragwort.

Ragwort poisoning in the horse tends to only become apparent when liver failure has occurred. There is often no warning and treatment is very difficult once it has reached this stage.

Clearing the weed

At this time of year, the ragwort will be growing in its rosette form. Now is the time to rid this poisonous weed from your pasture, before the roots grow stronger and eliminate it well in advance before it has the opportunity to seed.

There are a number of methods for clearing the ragwort, mainly dependant upon the size of the pasture and the level of infestation. The most basic control method is to pull the ragwort by hand, which is most appropriate when the ragwort is not an extensive problem. It is advisable to wear rubber gloves when handling the weed, as the plant is potentially harmful to humans. If any fragments of the root remain in the ground new growth will have to be monitored and removed. All plant material should be removed and burnt to prevent all animals (including cows and sheep) from eating it.

Other control methods include chemical spraying where it is essential to follow the manufacturers guidelines. As the ragwort dies it should be removed and burnt before pasture can be grazed.

Information from the British Horse Society website.