Suspected Botulism Behind Utah Horse Deaths; Feed Gets Recalled
Reported by Yahoo · November 9 at 7:49 AM · Summary by Hoofdeck
Utah's Department of Agriculture and Food is investigating suspected botulism in horses across Utah, Nevada and Arizona, with more than a dozen reported deaths. Laub's Feeding and Cubing has voluntarily recalled alfalfa hay cubes sold since October 3, and state officials advise owners who bought them after that date not to use them while testing continues.
Background
Botulism is caused by toxins from Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that thrives in low-oxygen, moist feed such as baled or cubed forage, and horses are highly sensitive to it. Signs include weakness, trouble swallowing, and muscle paralysis, and treatment often involves botulinum antitoxin given early by a veterinarian. Feed recalls are usually voluntary and remain in place until lab results identify the cause.
Why it matters
Hay cubes are a common feed, and a contaminated lot can make several horses sick at once with little warning.
What you can do
Check whether you bought alfalfa cubes from Laub's Feeding and Cubing after October 3, set aside any unused product, and ask your veterinarian about signs to watch for and whether any horses need evaluation.
Written by Hoofdeck from the report by Yahoo. Background is general information, not advice about your horse; if you are worried, call your vet.