Page 806 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
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plant biologically by introducing the cinnabar moth. Their caterpillars only eat ragwort,
starting at the top of the plant and working down towards the roots (Figure 17.22). However,
VetBooks.ir the number of moths and caterpillars decrease as the plant is controlled.
Figure 17.22 Caterpillar of the cinnabar moth feeding on ragwort
Yew (Taxus baccata)
The yew is an evergreen tree that prefers chalky soils (Figure 17.23). It is often found in
churchyards. All parts of the tree except the flesh of the red berries contain toxic alkaloids,
e.g. taxine. These are rapidly absorbed from the digestive tract and affect the heart. One
mouthful is enough to kill.
