Bracken Fern

Additional Common Names: Brake Fern, Umbewe, Brake, Pasture Bracken, Hog-Pasture Bracken, Eagle fern, Umhlashoshana, Adelaarsvaring

Scientific Name: Pteridium aquilinum

Family: Polypodiaceae

Where Found: Found worldwide in forested areas, open woods and abandoned fields.

Toxicity: Toxic to Horses

Toxic Principles: Thiaminase

Clinical Signs: Poisoning commonly occurs in horses having inadequate forage, or when the plant is incorporated into hay. All parts of the plant are toxic in both green and dry forms. The toxic component causes a thiamine deficiency (an essential nutrient for central nervous system function and metabolism); clinical signs develop after one to two months of chronic ingestion, and can worsen over a two to three day period. Effects include weight loss, incoordination/ excessive staggering (known as "bracken staggers"), the developement of a wide stance with arched back, severe muscle tremors, inability to get up which could lead to serious injury. Death may occur within one to 2 days of onset if not treated.

Share

Print this Page

 

Send to a Friend

Donate Today