A NEW code of practice has been introduced to stop the spread of a deadly weed in Wiltshire's fields and hedgerows.

Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael has brought in the code to stop the spread of ragwort, which causes incurable liver damage in horses, sheep and cattle.

Mr Michael said: "The draft code provides clear guidance for all landowners and occupiers, including local authorities and statutory organisations, such as rail and waterways authorities, on best practice in controlling ragwort."

He said he hoped the new measures would mean landowners would help stop the weed spreading from field to field in future.

At least 90 per cent of complaints to the Government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, about weeds, are about ragwort, and the Government estimates that 500 horses die in the UK each year from ragwort poisoning.

The code has been drafted in association with the British Horse Society and the British Equestrian Veterinary Assoc-iation, which suggests the number of deaths may be much higher, possibly up to 6,500.

Pat Campbell, chairman of the BHS, said: "This code has been a long time coming, and we are pleased that it has come to fruition at last. Let us hope that it will be instrumental in controlling ragwort to the extent horse owners no longer have to fear this pernicious weed."

The draft code has been drawn up in preparation for the Ragwort Control Bill, currently before Parliament, which will mean landowners are legally obliged to control the spread of the weed on their land.