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Veterinary sciences2022; 9(6); 271; doi: 10.3390/vetsci9060271

Trouble for Horses in Paradise: Toxicity and Fatality Resulting from the Consumption of Indigofera spicata (Fabaceae) on Oahu Island.

Abstract: This is the first account of fatal toxicity in horses resulting from grazing on the pasture plant creeping indigo, , on the island of Oahu, in the Hawaiian Islands. A survey in the town of Waialua on the north shore of Oahu island indicated that creeping indigo is common and abundant on grazing lands during the rainy season and requires intensive chemical and physical control measures. Four pastures were surveyed where ranchers reported mortality of more than 17 horses since 2020. We document these incidents to alert state animal and livestock support officials, groups monitoring invasive species, and horse owners regarding the problem of this noxious weed and to support breeders with information to confront its invasiveness. Herbicide treatment is not economically feasible, and breeders opted to physically uproot the plants from the paddocks and restrain horses to clear pastures as they were eliminating the plants. We urge state officials for a long-term control strategy to reduce the problems associated with this weed.
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Publication Date: 2022-06-04 PubMed ID: 35737323PubMed Central: PMC9230839DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9060271Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research reveals the dangers of the creeping indigo plant to horses in Waialua, Oahu island of Hawaii. The plant is found to be both toxic and fatal to horses grazing in pastures where the plant is abundant, and the study calls for a long-term control strategy due to the economic infeasibility of herbicide treatment.

Objective of the Research

  • The primary goal of this study was to investigate and alert local officials and horse owners about the risks posed to horses by the creeping indigo plant on Oahu Island, Hawaii.
  • Additionally, the study sought to offer information to horse breeders about the plant’s invasiveness and measures for managing it to prevent further fatalities.

Methods Used in the Research

  • Four pastures were surveyed where ranchers reported fatalities.
  • The abundance of the creeping indigo plant during the rainy season was studied.
  • The researchers examined the chemical and physical control measures against the plant’s spread.

Key Findings of the Study

  • The creeping indigo plant was found to be prevalent on grazing lands during the rainy season, posing significant challenges for ranchers and horse owners.
  • The toxicity of the plant led to the death of more than 17 horses since 2020.
  • Due to economic constraints, the use of herbicides to control the plant is not feasible. As a result, breeders opted for physically uprooting the plants from the paddocks.

Conclusions and Recommendations

  • The study underscored the need for a long-term control strategy to reduce the complications associated with the creeping indigo plant.
  • Local authorities, horse owners, and organizations monitoring invasive species were urged to take note of the plant’s risks and take necessary measures to curb its spread.
  • For the time being, breeders and horse owners are advised to restrain horses in clear pastures until the plant is eliminated.

Cite This Article

APA
Ramadan MM, Dailey D. (2022). Trouble for Horses in Paradise: Toxicity and Fatality Resulting from the Consumption of Indigofera spicata (Fabaceae) on Oahu Island. Vet Sci, 9(6), 271. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9060271

Publication

Veterinary sciences
ISSN: 2306-7381
NlmUniqueID: 101680127
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 9
Issue: 6
PII: 271

Researcher Affiliations

Ramadan, Mohsen Mohamad
  • Plant Pest Control Branch, Division of Plant Industry, Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Honolulu, HI 96814, USA.
Dailey, Devon
  • Hawaii Polo Club and Hawaii Polo Trail Rides, Waialua, HI 96791, USA.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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This article includes 28 references
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Citations

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