Last week I was contacted out of the blue by a lady who sadly lost her horse to Equine Grass Sickness (EGS) in July 2012. Julie spoke very fondly of her much loved horse and - like me when I lost two of mine exactly 12 months apart 6 years ago - questioned whether it was her fault.
The reason Julie approached me was to ask if I would become involved with a campaign her and another victim to EGS were setting up to raise money for the trial vaccine that is currently being put together.
What is Equine Grass Sickness (EGS) ?
Equine Grass Sickness is both a devastating and heartbreaking disease in horses, ponies and donkeys that causes damage to parts of the nervous system. The main symptom is gut paralysis; however, there are also lots more such as sweating, weight loss and colic symptoms.
The disease occurs most exclusively in horses with access to grass. This may seem a bit of a silly thing to say, when most horses have access to grass, but EGS has been found in particular areas in the country where certain grass land is most affected.
EGS was first recognised in about 1907 following a tragic outbreak in a herd of army remount horses near Dundee. Hundreds of horses were reported to have died annually from Grass Sickness in the 1920's. It is said that the losses were so severe, that the introduction of tractors accelerated as a result.
Sadly, Equine Grass Sickness is still common in the 21st century and approximately 1 in 200 due annually from the disease in some parts of the UK.
What causes Equine Grass Sickness?
As of yet there is no clear indication as to what causes EGS, however, it has been previously thought that Grass Sickness was more common in pastures with a high clover content. More recent studies have indicated that is can also occur in pastures with no clover.
Other suggested risk factors include increased numbers of horses on the pasture, mechanical droppings removal and presence of domesticated birds on fields.
Is there a cure?
Unfortunately at present there is no cure for EGS and most horses that contract it are sadly put to sleep. However, there are an increasing number of horses that have pulled through EGS and have gone on to lead fairly normal lives.
It all depends on how quick the Grass Sickness is noticed and the treatment given.
To read success stories, click here.
What does the month of may have to do with Grass Sickness?
As previously mentioned, Julie contacted me after losing her horse to Equine Grass Sickness in July. After finding comfort in the EGS Facebook group, Julie joined forces with Ulla and between the two of them decided to campaign and raise money for the vaccine that is currently being tested to prevent EGS. Whilst this vaccine isn't due to be tested until 2013-2014, it could be a possible cure. The only reason the testing is taking so long is because of lack of funding and money available to do such in-depth tests.
Julie and Ulla are both hoping to raise money to help hurry the vaccine testing along. Both have chosen to have a EGS awareness month - which has been picked as May - where many fundraising events across the country will be held.
So, why am I involved?
This is where I come in! Although I haven't lost a horse to Equine Grass Sickness I can fully sympathise in pain experienced when you lose a horse or any animal. Especially when you feel it could have been your fault and ask yourself if you could have prevented it. Julie contacted me to ask if I would be the "Journalist" for the awareness campaign and to help out in May at the events. Of course I obliged and here I am.
Since announcing I was becoming involved I also found out a very close friend of mine lost her horse to EGS. I think this disease is something that needs awareness and if, together, we can all raise enough money to help hurry the vaccine trial along then it COULD save horses lives.
So; please, if you have had dealings with EGS and want to share your story or become involved in the campaign then feel free to tweet me @FurryMane or comment below and I will get back to you. By donating a small amount YOU could be saving a horses life.
The EGS website is available for anyone to have a look at: EGS
To donate please visit the Just Giving page set up by Julie and Ulla.
Equine Grass sickness - Please help to raise awareness
Sian Lovatt
Friday, December 21, 2012
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