Share this page
Equine grass sickness
A guide to managing horses with equine grass sickness, which can be a debilitating and frequently fatal equine disease.
A guide to managing horses with equine grass sickness, which can be a debilitating and frequently fatal equine disease.
What is equine grass sickness?
Equine grass sickness (EGS) is a debilitating and frequently fatal disease of horses, ponies and donkeys, which commonly presents as impaired activity of the gut, caused by nervous system damage.
Cases occur frequently, but not exclusively, in northern European countries, particularly Great Britain. The disease occurs almost exclusively in horses with access to grass, but even though the condition was first identified around 1907, the true cause of EGS remains unknown.
Equine Grass Sickness: A research update and look to the future
Download the latest comprehensive booklet on EGS, bringing research together and pointing to a new approach for the future.
Equine grass sickness summary
Download our leaflet to find out more about what equine grass sickness is, what causes it, and what can be done to prevent it.
How do you manage equine grass sickness?
For many years World Horse Welfare sponsored horse carers working with chronic cases of grass sickness, a potentially deadly disease. The cause is still unclear but some horses survive, usually only with intensive nursing. Thanks to the dedicated team at the University of Edinburgh and with World Horse Welfare’s support, a Guide on the management of horses with chronic grass sickness is now available.
Guide on the management of horses with chronic grass sickness
Download this guide from the University of Edinburgh and World Horse Welfare
Remember you can always call our Advice Line on +44 (0)1953 497 238.
Did you know that The Royal Edinburgh (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies offers an online CPD course on EGS? You can find out more and sign up here.
