Beware the killer seaweed
Seaweed has often been a local delicacy for many countries and we are all acquainted with the crispy seaweed popular at Chinese take-away. Many beauty experts also praise the rejuvenating qualities of a seaweed wrap; yet who would have known that in its decomposing state, seaweed could be fatal for both equine and human species.
The horse collapsed on a beach in France near Sant-Michel-en-Greve in Brittany last week. The horse and rider had both inhaled the deadly fumes release by the local lettuce seaweed whilst it had started to decompose.
This type of seaweed develops a crust as it begins to rot and hydrogen sulphide builds up underneath, when the barrier breaks the lethal fumes attack the respiratory system of both four-legged and two-legged mammals.
The rider was taken to hospital unconscious after his mount collapsed which follows several other incidences of locals being treated for sickness caused by the algae. One man, a council worker has sadly slipped into a coma.
Insure My Horse offers equine insurance for horse owners across Britain using specialist horse insurance providers to offer the highest levels of customer services and specialised insurance policies.
August 10th 2009