Sycamore seeds are killing horses

Horse owners are being warned that toxic sycamore seeds have killed several animals already this autumn.

Vets urged owners to take steps to stop their horses eating the rotor wing seeds that carpet fields and cause Seasonal Pasture Myopathy (SPM), or Atypical Myopathy, a muscle disease.

Ponies and horses can suffer blood poisoning, breathing problems, organ failure and muscle spasms before an agonising death in three-quarters of cases, which are at record levels.

Experts fear more than 100 animals could be killed by the end of the year as there is no cure.

SPM is caused by the toxin hypoglycin A in tree seeds including those from sycamores.

British Veterinary Association and British Equine Veterinary Association advice includes: restrict access to seeds with temporary fencing, move animals off pasture at times of risk and discuss early signs of illness with a vet.