Does anyone have any experience with the loss of life(horse) due to the blister beetle that can be found in alfalfa hay? A friend of mine has lost 2 horses in 8 days and it appeared that the horses were colicing. She was shocked and grieving the first when the next one happened and by the time she thought to get an autopsy, it was too late. We don't know that this could even be the cause, but are just trying desperately to find out what caused these deaths. Any info. would be greatly appreciated!
which had some interesting info. From personal experience, I can tell you that the blister beetle has spread to every state in the continental US so alfalfa hay from any state can be infested. The first cutting is the best to get to try and avoid it. Depending on how much of the poison the horse eats will depend on the outcome. There is very little treatment unless you know that the horse has consumed the toxin and treat within a few hours. Personally, it makes me nervous and it's one reason that I don't like to use alfalfa for most horses. My condolences to your friend. If she has not already done so, inspect and/or destroy the rest of that batch of hay. (burn it preferably, other species are susceptible to blister beetle poison so don't be tempted to feed it to the cows or sheep, etc).
Posted 2007-10-17 11:52 AM (#69513 - in reply to #69479) Subject: RE: blister beetle
Veteran
Posts: 250 Location: AL
Yes, I had already read the info that you suggested and so many of the symptoms sound like it could have been that, but I know that some of these symptoms are also prevalent in other sicknesses as well. That is why I wish I could find someone who may have experienced this to compare the symptoms. Thanks for your condolences, it is just a very, very sad time.
Posted 2007-10-17 1:00 PM (#69519 - in reply to #69513) Subject: RE: blister beetle
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
She can take a few bales of hay to the county extension agent and let them look at the hay to see if there are any signs of infestation. From my understanding a horse needs to eat bunches of beetles actually die, unless they are young/old or in poor health.
Posted 2007-10-17 7:46 PM (#69548 - in reply to #69477) Subject: RE: blister beetle
Veteran
Posts: 250 Location: AL
Found another source that said as little as 25-30 beetles could kill a horse. It also said that the beetles could be dead or even the secretions of the beetles that might still be in the hay can be toxic as well. A few years back, I was in OK and they had alfalfa for sale. In the store was posted a sign that said not responsible for blister beetles. Why would anybody take this chance? I think that I would feed alfalfa pellets, if I wanted the benefits of alfalfa. I have never been a fan of alfalfa and stick with a good bermuda hay
Posted 2007-10-19 1:00 PM (#69622 - in reply to #69548) Subject: RE: blister beetle
Expert
Posts: 2828 Location: Southern New Mexico
I don't like feeding alfalfa either. But unfortunately finding anything else around here is next to impossible. If you can find it, it is usually close to unafordable.
Posted 2007-10-19 6:21 PM (#69649 - in reply to #69622) Subject: RE: blister beetle
Veteran
Posts: 294 Location: Fort Worth, Tx
Around here, it's coastal, or pay loads for something else. In Ohio we had lovely timothy, wish I could get some of that in Fort Worth without paying $17 a bale...but I am glad that we had a good hay year here, back to $4/bale instead of $12 this time last year.
blister beetle
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