01/08/2020
DID YOU KNOW?
Alfalfa tends to be more nutrient-dense than most grasses when harvested at the same stage of maturity, and it's a very efficient source of protein and calcium -- which leads many people to believe that alfalfa is the best hay to feed in winter for warmth, due to the metabolic heat that your horse generates to metabolize the extra protein.
If you're feeding alfalfa this winter, even hay that has been harvested months or years previously, you need to be aware that your horse could be at risk for potentially deadly blister beetle toxicity.
"The blister beetle (Epicauta) is highly toxic to sheep and cattle, but primarily to horses," says Dr. Benjamin Espy. "As little as four (4) to six (6) grams of blister beetles can be deadly to a 1100-pound horse. Blister beetles swarm in alfalfa fields and are drawn into bales by accident. Even small parts of these beetles are toxic to a horse, and whole insects need not be present to be dangerous."
If you suspect your horse is showing signs of toxicity, call your veterinarian immediately. While there is no antidote for cantharidin, the toxin found in blister beetles, your veterinarian may still be able to save your horse by providing supportive care to combat dehydration, help evacuate toxins from the gastrointestinal tract, and delay potential absorption.
Check alfalfa for the presence of blister beetle prior to feeding and consult your to learn more about this very dangerous condition, especially if you feed alfalfa hay from a new or unknown harvesting source. Please note that there are many representatives of the species Epicauta, so we encourage you to contact a county agricultural agent to familiarize yourself with the poisonous beetles in our area or the geographical region where the hay you purchase is harvested.
You can read Dr. Espy's article on blister beetle poisoning in full on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/blister-beetle-poisoning
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