Get rid of Jacob's wort in the pony pasture!

Jacob's wort (Senecio jacobaea) is a common but dangerous plant that often grows in grassy areas such as pony pastures. It contains toxins, mainly alkaloids called pyrrolizidine, which can cause serious problems in ponies and other grazing animals. It is important to recognize the presence of Jacob's wort and take steps to prevent its spread and remove it from pony pastures.

Jacob's wort is a flowering plant with yellow flowers that resembles a shrub. It often grows in groups and can reach a height of about 60 cm to 1.5 meters. The leaves are serrated and have a deep green color. The plant can be poisonous at all stages of its life cycle, including when dried. So it is important to remove it from the pony pasture as much as possible, even after it has been mowed.

Hazards

When ponies eat Jacob's wort, the toxins can accumulate in their liver and cause serious damage. Initially, ponies may show signs of loss of appetite, weight loss and general fatigue. As the liver damage increases, more severe symptoms may occur, including colic, yellowing of the skin, sensitivity to sunlight, neurological problems and even death.

Prevention

The best way to prevent Jacob's wort in the pony pasture is to make sure the pasture is well maintained and checked regularly. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

1. Regular mowing: Mow the grass regularly to prevent the growth and spread of Jacob's wort. Be sure to cut the grass before the flowers can form seeds.
2. Manual removal: It is important to remove Jacob's wort manually, including the roots, before the seed can spread. Wear gloves during the removal process to protect your skin.
3. Chemical pesticides: In severe cases, it may be necessary to use chemical pesticides. Always consult a professional before using chemical pesticides to ensure they are safe for use around ponies.

Remove

If you find Jacob's wort in the pony pasture, the following steps should be taken to remove it safely:

1. Identify the plant: Make sure you can correctly identify Jacob's wort before proceeding with removal.
2. Remove manually: Pull out the plant manually, including the roots, to ensure that the plant does not regrow.
3. Destroy the plant: Removed plants should be completely destroyed to prevent seed spread. Burning or composting is the most effective method.
4. Monitor and maintenance: Continue to check the pony pasture regularly for new growth of Jacob's wort and take immediate action to remove it.

Consult an expert

When in doubt about the presence or removal of Jacob's weed in the pony pasture, it is advisable to consult an expert, such as a veterinarian, agronomist or a specialized professional in weed management. They can provide you with specific instructions and advice tailored to your situation.