The association of Clostridium botulinum type C with equine
grass sickness: a toxicoinfection?
Although previously more prevalent in the North of England, the Borders and Southern Scotland,
grass sickness is now more of a nationwide issue and there is a research centre into the condition in Newmarket.
The study,carried out at the equinehospital,Leahurst,in Wirral,confirmed the link between
grass sickness and a form of bacteria called Clostridium botulinum.
A study at Liverpool University funded by The Home of Rest For Horses has revealed
grass sickness is strongly associated with low antibody levels to the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
Dubai Millennium won nine of his ten races as a world-beating miler, but a lucrative stud career at the Godolphin operation's Dalham Hall Stud been cut short by a fatal case of
grass sicknessWhile Dubai Millennium died after contracting
grass sickness in 2001, Dubawi enjoys a career as one of Darley's top stallions.
The injury ended the great champion's racing career; he was saved for stud but died of
grass sickness the following April.
The show, which donates to the
Grass Sickness Fund and the North Eastern Air Ambulance, is unique as a breed show in the North East, popular with local owners, breeders and exhibitors, and the proceeds raised will now secure the continuance of local competition and the event's future.
Dubai Millennium, the apple of Godolphin supremo Sheikh Mohammed's eye, is suffering from an acute case of
grass sickness which threatens his life.
And events were to take a tragic turn when he succumbed to
grass sickness the following year during his first season at Dalham Hall Stud.
"He was Champion B and Reserve Supreme at the
Grass Sickness Show ands Reserve Youngstock Champion at the Forrester's Show.
DUBAI Millennium, Sheikh Mohammed's favourite horse, has died at the age of five after a week-long battle with
grass sickness.