Autumnal disease causes horse deaths

Newbury vet warns of equine disease outbreak that has hit West Berkshire and North Hampshire this year

A LITTLE-known equine disease is affecting West Berkshire and North Hampshire this autumn.

The disease, known as Atypical Myopathy, has hit the region particularly harshly, with several fatalities already reported.

Two ponies are known to have died at Hall Place Equestrian Centre in Sulham Hill and several owners in West Berkshire have reported, via on online equine chatrooms, that their own animals have been stricken.

Partner at Newbury vets O'Gorman Slater, Alastair Welch, said: “It's worth getting the message out that we seem to have an outbreak in this region. It's thought to be caused by a clostridium bacteria in soil or pasture that is ingested.

“It seems the current weather conditions have caused the bacteria to multiply more than usual. Although I've personally heard of six or seven cases locally this year, last year was particularly bad with around a dozen cases.”

Symptoms include lethargy, tight muscles, difficulty breathing, distended nostrils and raised pulse rate and risk factors include cold, damp, frost-free weather and pastures with poor natural drainage and vegetation of low nutritional value.

In its early stages, the condition can be confused with colic or laminitis and affected animals can deteriorate rapidly if not treated.

Mr Welch advised: “It would be sensible, if at all possible, for owners to remove animals from pasture and keep them stabled and fed hay. If this isn't practical, then try to feed hay from a height or from a bucket instead of scattering it on the ground.”