Veterinarians in Florida are encouraging horsepeople to be on the lookout for a low-growing toxic weed that is suspected to contain fatal effects.

According to an article by horsetalk.co.nz, several cases of toxicity have arisen in south Florida, and veterinarians are encouraging everyone to remove any ‘Creeping Indigo’ weeds they come across.

The article explains that the weed has been more prevalent this year due to humid conditions this past summer. The weed is not native to Florida, but has been growing in the state since the 1920s.

“Toxicity from Creeping Indigo can present itself through a number of different symptoms, which can make it difficult to recognize and definitively diagnose,” said Palm Beach Equine Clinic’s Dr. Kathleen Timmins. “There is no test or treatment, and the damage that it causes can be irreversible. The only true treatment is limiting their exposure to it.”

The article states that, ‘Creeping Indigo is a prostrate plant that is commonly found in high traffic areas of grass, such as parking lots, turf, roadsides, medians, and overgrazed pastures. Flowers arise from the base of the leaves and are pink to salmon in colour. It often grows under the grass, and when it is not flowering, it can be difficult to see. It also has a very deep root, so it is not easy to pull up.’

(With files from horsetalk.co.nz)