The Equine Grass Sickness Fund (EGSF) has reported seven cases of Equine Grass Sickness (EGS) between January and March 2026, as horse owners enter the period traditionally associated with the highest risk of the disease.
While cases can occur at any time of year, the majority are typically recorded between April and July, with a peak in May. The latest figures have been released as part of the EGSF’s Quarter 1 2026 disease report and serve as a timely reminder for owners to remain alert to the condition during the coming months.
Equine Grass Sickness remains one of the most devastating diseases affecting horses in the UK. Despite decades of research, the exact cause is still not fully understood, making prevention and early recognition particularly important.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Research suggests that certain horses may be at greater risk of developing the disease, including:
- Horses aged between two and seven years
- Horses that have recently experienced stress, such as transport, yard moves or changes in management
- Horses that have undergone recent dietary changes
- Horses recently treated with wormers
- Horses in good body condition
Although no management strategy can completely eliminate the risk, researchers have identified several practices that may help reduce exposure.
Management Practices That May Help
Current recommendations include minimising exposure to paddocks where previous cases have occurred and reducing activities that disturb soil and pasture where possible.
Owners are also encouraged to avoid excessive pasture disturbance during higher-risk periods, including:
- Harrowing
- Mechanical dung removal
- Construction work or pipe laying
- Severe poaching of fields
- Close grazing
Potential protective measures include:
- Providing supplementary forage or bringing horses in for hay
- Hand-picking droppings
- Regular grass cutting
- Co-grazing with ruminants where appropriate
Researchers have also observed that certain weather patterns may be associated with an increased risk of grass sickness, particularly periods of drought followed by significant rainfall and large fluctuations in daily temperatures.
Free Weather Alerts Available
To help owners monitor potential risk in their area, the EGSF offers a free Equine Grass Sickness WhatsApp weather alert service.
The system provides notifications when weather conditions associated with an increased risk of EGS are identified, helping owners make informed management decisions during higher-risk periods.
Supporting Research Through the Equine Grass Sickness Biobank
Alongside disease surveillance, the EGSF continues to support ongoing research through its Equine Grass Sickness Biobank, operated with the support of the British Horse Society.
The biobank collects information from reported cases alongside biological and environmental samples. These samples are then stored and made available to researchers investigating the disease, helping to advance understanding of one of the most challenging conditions affecting horses.
Owners who suspect a case of Equine Grass Sickness are urged to contact their veterinary surgeon immediately and consider reporting cases and submitting samples to support future research efforts.
Further Information
Read the EGSF Quarter 1 2026 Disease Report
Grass sickness management advice:
www.grasssickness.org.uk/advice/potential-management-practices-which-may-reduce-the-risk-of-grass-sickness
Sign up for Equine Grass Sickness weather alerts:
https://moredun.connectanimalhealth.com/apps/egssubscribe
Learn more about the Equine Grass Sickness Biobank:
https://www.grasssickness.org.uk/biobank/
