While the cause of EGS remains unknown research of the nature of the damage to the nervous system suggests that a type of toxin is involved, and the disease occurs in most areas of England, Wales and Scotland, almost exclusively in horses with access to grass. An Equine Grass Sickness seminar took place in Newmarket in December 2025, supported by the National Stud, the TBA, Rossdales and Saracen Horse Feeds. Speakers updated breeders on the latest research into this devastating disease which not only has a detrimental impact on horse welfare individually and collectively, but also on businesses, land and property values. Breeders are encouraged to sign up to the weather risk alert system for their specific area, via this link: https://www.grasssickness.org.uk/equine-grass-sickness-weather-risk-alert-system/ Three presentations were made at the seminar, and were followed by a panel session in which further information on EGS was discussed. This presentation discusses: The signs and management of Grass Sickness seen in East Anglia and is given by Emily Lloyd MRCVS – Rossdales Ltd.
Emily Lloyd, BVSc, DipACVIM, CertAVP (Veterinary Dermatology), MRCVS: Emily's main role is working within the neonatal intensive care unit at Rossdales Ltd, in addition to working within the internal medicine department. In 2012, she became an RCVS Specialist in Equine Medicine (Internal Medicine), having been awarded recognised specialist status by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). She is also a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, which she achieved during 3 years at the University of California’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at Davis prior to joining Rossdales. She has completed a number of research projects related to neonatal foal conditions and has published and lectured widely on the subject.
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