The easiest way to tell them apart from harmless varieties of Indigo and other plants is that the leaves alternate. They are not lined up straight across from each other. I'm no expert as I don't live in Florida and have never seen it (and just learned that it existed), but here are some resources. If your horses have been eating it and aren't showing any signs DON'T ASSUME it is safe! It has a cumulative effect! If not treated properly (some sources say there is no treatment, but they are finding something that works) the symptoms can be permanent or the horse could die.
Here is the website for more information. http://www.ninaswarriors.com
Here is the Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1393073010988149
Here is a map showing where it has been confirmed to be located. https://www.zeemaps.com/map?group=1414459
People have been finding it in pastures, at show grounds, camp sites and even alongside roads and in parking lots. I'm not trying to alarm people, but I really want to spread the word before more horses die. The symptoms are often misdiagnosed as EPM, etc. Please spread the word! Thanks!
P.S. Grazeonext kills it, but it has a deep tap root (up to three feet) that needs to be destroyed. It can't survive in cold weather so it hasn't be found anywhere else (so far, not confirmed anyway) except maybe in south Texas.
Thank you for this!!! I have many friends with horses in FL; I passed on the info. Thank you Achieve!
ReplyDeleteNo problem! I'm glad to help!
DeleteYep, it's all over in my area and even have a friend whose mini died from eating it. Fortunately (or unfortunately!), farms in my area tend to be very small because land is at a premium, so we don't have much pasture. My guy gets ~3 hours of grazing a day, and he is one of the lucky ones!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you already know about it. I forgot about the limited grazing. I guess that is fortunate under the circumstances!! How is Salem doing? He's the first one I thought it when I read that this stuff can cause EPM misdiagnoses and symptoms that don't go away. They are having a lot of luck with a specific high protein diet though. I hope you are both doing well!
DeleteAw, thanks! He's doing really well, although not quite well enough to ride. I think he might have some other neuro issue as well (probably neck arthritis) because, although the EPM treatment cleared up his major symptoms (having a hard time getting up), he is still a bit neurological. Beyond pasture sound, thankfully, but still enough that I don't want to get on his back. My barn luckily does not have any indigo, so that's not it (unfortunately, because it would be a much easier fix!). Diagnosis for neck arthritis usually involves hauling to a clinic for the high-powered x-rays, so that's unfortunately not in the cards any time soon. But he's happy and mostly healthy, so I'll take it!
DeleteHey your blog is Haynets Blog of the Day! Come and take a look: http://www.hay-net.co.uk/haynet-news/8249/equestrian-blog-of-the-day---its-all-about-the-equestrian-journey
ReplyDeleteThank you!! I will log in as soon as possible!
DeleteI've never heard of it, but I'm only two hours from Jax, so I'll be looking for it.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely look up the Facebook page and share with your friend. They are very friendly and helpful. Keeping my fingers crossed you don't have any in your pasture!!
DeleteWell that's just scary. I'm in Alabama, but we seem to get a new variety of weed every year (which makes me crazed trying to keep control). I will definitely be on the lookout, as I wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't work its way up eventually - thanks so much for the info!
ReplyDelete