A KILLER weed, which poses a major threat to livestock, must be controlled if the health of thousands of animals in Greater Manchester is to be safeguarded this summer, the has RSPCA warned.

Ragwort, which is also known as the "yellow peril", is one of the most frequent causes of livestock poisoning by plants. The tall, yellow-flowering weed, which is highly visible on roadside verges and in fields at this time of year, is registered as injurious under the Weeds Act of 1959, making it an offence to fail to comply with clearance notices.

This perennial weed should be dug up or sprayed and removed from pasture.