In article , david@abacus-
nurseries.co.uk says...


Why so much fuss about Yew.

The toxicity of the foliage increases as it wilts. Cattle and horses can
eat it fresh without to serious effect but when it's wilted and mixed in
with Hay that's when it gets really toxic.

You're completely wrong; it's fatal fresh or wilted.

from a specialist equestrian vet centre

http://poolhousevets.com/Equine/yew-tree-poisoning/

quote
"Yew trees are deadly poisonous to horses! They are so toxic that even
chewing on a single branch can (and frequently does) cause INSTANT
death. ...Most parts of the tree are toxic, except the bright red aril
surrounding the seed. The foliage remains toxic even when wilted.The
major toxin within the Yew is the alkaloid taxine. It is a cardiotoxin
and exerts it effects on the heart where it causes fibrillation and
acute cardiac arrest. There is no treatment."

Janet.